Introduction to the Incident
A fire broke out Saturday afternoon in the building housing the Porkchop restaurant in Edgewater. Neighbors watched as dark smoke billowed from the restaurant’s shattered windows.
Response and Emergency Measures
Firefighters were on scene about 4 p.m. at the restaurant, at 6341 North Broadway. It wasn’t clear whether the blaze originated in the restaurant or on the floor above. The CTA diverted several bus lines due to street closures. No injuries were reported.
Eyewitness Accounts and Reactions
Pedestrians protect their faces from smoke as they watch firefighters battle a fire at Porkchop restaurant.
Loyola University students Ella Leathers, 18, an economics transfer from the College of DuPage, and Marieve Donnell, 18, a first-year psychology student, were among those who rushed to the scene.
They said they first learned of the fire through Fizz, an anonymous social media app for college students. “We saw pictures of it on there. At first people thought it was a Loyola building, but then we realized it wasn’t once we got here,” Leathers said. The building is adjacent to a Loyola University lab. Information about any impact on neighboring buildings wasn’t available.
Just blocks from their dorms, the pair called the scene “surreal.” Donnell noted that “the entire Chicago Fire Department” seemed present. Both worried about the dark smoke and whether anyone might have been inside the building.
Background of the Restaurant
Porkchop was closed by the city for safety violations in December 2023, including fire safety concerns. It reopened in January 2024, and was closed by Chicago police in May 2025 after a drive-by shooting killed two, including alleged O Block gang leader Rachaun “Munna Duke” Vance.
Requests for comment from the owner were not returned. The Chicago Fire Department has not yet responded to requests for comment.
Firefighters on a ladder truck battle flames from above.
Conclusion
The fire at the Porkchop restaurant in Edgewater has raised concerns about safety and the well-being of those in the area. As investigations continue, it is essential for the community to come together and support those affected by this incident.
FAQs
- Q: What was the cause of the fire at the Porkchop restaurant?
A: The cause of the fire is currently under investigation. - Q: Were there any injuries reported during the fire?
A: No injuries were reported. - Q: What measures were taken by the emergency services?
A: Firefighters were on scene, and the CTA diverted several bus lines due to street closures. - Q: Has the restaurant been involved in any previous incidents?
A: Yes, the restaurant was closed by the city for safety violations in December 2023 and by Chicago police in May 2025 after a drive-by shooting.
