Midtown's longstanding Traffic Jam & Snug restaurant suffered extensive damage in a Friday morning fire and could be considered "a total loss," according to Detroit Fire Department public relations officer James Harris.
He tells Metro Times that the two-alarm fire started just before 2 a.m. and was contained within two and a half hours, but as of 7:40 a.m. the department was still putting out some hot spots.
The cause of the fire is not yet known, he says.
"We're doing a thorough investigation to see how it started," he says. "We still don't have those facts yet."
Metro Times observed heavy damage Friday morning, including broken windows and debris strewn across Canfield Street. Water was gushing out of the side of the building onto 2nd Avenue.
"It's severe damage," Harris says. "We're not sure if it's a total loss at this time, but there is extensive damage."
No civilians or firefighters were injured, Harris says.
"Not to sound cold, but you can get another building," he says. "You can't get another human, so we're glad nobody got injured."
The building is located near other businesses including Shinola and Third Man Records, which appeared intact.
The business, referred by fans as TJ's, has stood on the corner of Canfield Street and 2nd Avenue for more than 50 years, and is known for making almost everything in-house, including beer, bread, and ice cream.
Metro Times could not reach Traffic Jam & Snug management for comment.
Stay connected with Detroit Metro Times. Subscribe to our newsletters, and follow us on Google News, Apple News, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, or TikTok.
