It’s business as usual Tuesday at Sam’s Chowder House in Half Moon Bay, but the restaurant’s neon fish is a little under the weather.

A short in the vintage sign sparked a blaze Monday between 10 and 11 p.m., the restaurant owners said, but crews from the Half Moon Bay and El Granada fire departments quickly doused the fire and limited the damage to the exterior.

“Everything inside is fine,” they reported in a statement, so the restaurant is open for business as usual Tuesday.

They added: “Our sincere THANKS to both the Half Moon Bay Fire Department, and the El Granada Fire Department, who showed up in minutes, as well as the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Department. We owe you a debt of gratitude for showing up so rapidly and putting out the fire promptly, avoiding a much bigger issue.”

As for the fish, that sign predates Sam’s and has local historical value.

“So we have treasured it and nursed it along all of these years, despite the fact that it’s difficult to find anyone who still has the required expertise in neon,” the owners said. “We will evaluate our options for repair and keep you posted.”

Meantime, Sam’s will be open for lunch and dinner from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday.