By Matt Fredmonsky
Record-Courier staff writer
The Memorial Day fire that destroyed the Mangiamo restaurant in Twin Lakes was intentionally set, according to fire investigators.
Kent Fire Chief James Williams said Friday the investigation by the Kent Fire Department, Portage County Sheriff's Department arson investigator and the state fire marshal's office concluded arson was the cause of the blaze that destroyed the S.R. 43 landmark.
"We're not going to release any other information at this time," Williams said. "The investigation is still on-going."
Williams said signs will be posted on the property asking anyone who may have additional information about the fire to contact one of the three investigative departments.
For weeks, investigators said the extent of damage caused by the fire hindered the determination of a cause. The latest estimate put a price tag of $670,000 on the destruction.
Mike Beder, a co-owner of the restaurant operation, said Friday additional costs for debris and lost business income also should be considered.
"I'd say that's a pretty accurate figure, maybe a little low, but a pretty accurate one on the property and the contents," Beder said.
Beder owns the restaurant operation at Mangiamo with Aaron Ruggles and Dave Tribuzzo. Each partner owns one-third of the business. Tribuzzo and Ruggles also operate Bistro on Main.
The owners received access to the building at 7289 S.R. 43 for the first time Wednesday evening, Beder said. He was surprised to hear that investigators believe arson caused the blaze.
"I know my partners wouldn't do that," Beder said. "That means it was done maliciously and that's kind of a hard pill to swallow."
The two-story frame structure, which dated to the late 19th century, has housed numerous restaurants in the past half-century. It was the original home of the Rusty Nail Restaurant.
The fire was reported by a passing motorist before 5 a.m. on Memorial Day. More than a dozen fire departments responded to the blaze. The area where the restaurant is located is not served by fire hydrants.
The building is owned by State Route 43 Holdings, according to the Portage County Auditor's Office online records. The group paid $400,000 for the restaurant. The county valued the property and structure at $287,300 for tax purposes.
No back taxes are due on the property, according to the county recorder's office.
The same trio of owners began working together under the title of Integrity Hospitality to re-invest in several of the Kent area's nightclubs and restaurants. The business investments include The Water Street Tavern, which is currently in the midst of an expansion; Bistro on Main, a popular Kent restaurant; BarCode, which has become The Bar'N; and Mangiamo.
In 2006, Beder told the Record-Courier the reestablishment of all four venues required several large business loans, but each business was successful enough to cover the associated cost.
Beder said he is unsure what the plan is for the future of the restaurant. Concerned customers who are anxious for the partners to rebuild have been expressing their frustration to the owners about the loss.
For now, Beder and his partners are waiting to see what offers their insurance company will pose to either replace the eatery or buy them out entirely.
"We know we did a good job and filled a niche out there," Beder said. "The building was so old I don't know if we can build the structure to that size and to current code with what they might give us."