KNOXVILLE (WATE) – Firefighters fought a fire at Creamery Park Grille, a staple in Fountain City.

Knoxville Fire Department said they received a report of a fire at the restaurant, located at 114 Hotel Avenue off Broadway, at 12:40 a.m. Captain D.J. Corcoran said flames were shooting through the roof when firefighters arrived at the building.

After firefighters gained entry to the building, Corcoran said they went into a defensive mode, because there was so much fire. “The whole length of the building was on fire. So for the firefighters safety, they went defensive,” said Corcoran.

Some of the fire spread to a medical office next to the restaurant, but Corcoran said the damage was limited. He said the biggest challenge was the cold weather because water froze on Broadway.

Broadway at Hotel Road was closed for several hours while city crews worked to salt the road, but has reopened. A rehab bus was also called in so firefighters could get out of the cold.

There were no injuries reported. Arson investigators said they believe the fire is accidental and started near a soda machine.

Firefighters just confirming the fire here at Creamery Park Grille is accidental. I’ll live @6am with more @6News pic.twitter.com/ayersKSXf5— Kristen Holloway (@KHolloway_WREG3) February 10, 2016

According to their website, Creamery Park Grille opened in 1994 in historic Fountain City. They family owned restaurant is best known for their burgers and Waldorf salad.

Former employee Adrienne Duncan worked at the restaurant for seven years. She says she’s heartbroken.

“I know it’s just a building but the memories inside and what it means to us was so important,” said Duncan. “I had to drive down here to see if I can lend a hug or a helping hand.”

Vicky Elliott who works at Deluxe Cleaners two doors down says Creamery owner Jeffery Patton is very friendly and it’s devastating to see this happen in their neighborhood.

“It’s pretty scary because these building are pretty old and it’s not going to take a lot to bring them down,” said Elliott. “I just hope he builds back because he’s a really super guy.”

Property Owner Larry Smith said the restaurant is huge loss to Fountain City.

“People come here for anniversaries, first dates, after weddings, birthdays. It’s a very popular place.” said Smith. “I would say that The Creamery is probably is the busiest business and has been for years on Hotel Avenue.”

Smith says he’s not sure the building can be saved.

“From what I’m being told it can’t be saved but you can always re-build,” said Smith. “You can go back and make it bigger and better.”

“I hope that Jeff comes back, I think a lot Fountain City residents will want him to come back,” said Smith.

A GoFundMe page was started to help the restaurant reopen.