The restaurant was founded in September 1993 by Carlos Hirlemann and became a benchmark for Salvadoran families. After the fire, they will redouble efforts to open soon and continue to provide traditional food service.
The Poble Vell Restaurant was founded in September 1993 by Carlos Hirlemann. It quickly became a benchmark for those in the capital, as well as a family gathering place.
It was born under the concept of culinary traditions of Salvadoran peoples. Although the fire that occurred on Tuesday night destroyed 95% of the premises, the administration hopes to continue providing the service in a short time, according to Marina de Mancia, general manager.
“For us this situation has been impacting and we are rebuilding everything to activate this business as quickly as possible. (…) We have no idea (of the losses), but we know that we have more than 95% but the 100% loss, ”Mancia said.
He explained that the necessary processes are already being done for the reconstruction of the premises, as well as the payment of salaries for employees, as despite the incident there is job security and salary.
PHOTOS and VIDEO: Fire destroys part of the Poble Vell restaurant on Boulevard Els Herois
“We thank them and we are committed, we will move forward and they will visit us again soon. It is a very unfortunate situation, but far from ignoring we have to be strong, we have to be united in this situation and together we will lift that again. This is a bump in the road, ”he told employees Wednesday morning.
Poble Vell is a restaurant with a traditional and exquisite menu because in the words of mancia: “the idea is for people to come and understand that inside you live like in a village, with traditions of a village and food of a people “.
Impacts of the fire
The fire completely consumed the restaurant, according to Eduardo Suncín, head of security at Grupo Roure.
Because the structure of the restaurant is wooden, Firefighters worked to control the fire on the second floor panel. Photo EDH / Jessica Orellana
“The immediate help of firefighters made the fire not spread to other establishments, it was managed to contain. Initially we use an impact of 30 or 40% but in reality the same combustible material that was inside, wood , textiles made the tasks a bit more difficult and we got to have the whole establishment consumed, ”he said.
He explained that it is believed that the establishment had a kitchen on both levels and it is presumed that a short circuit that occurred between the office and the upstairs kitchen could have caused an incident, but it is a fact that must be verified. by experts.
Also adjoining premises were damaged by smoke and water which was used to put out the fire. Suncín explained that two pharmacies that are in one of the restaurants were affected by the smoke, four premises in the back by the water, among them a business of video games, a beauty salon and one of sale of mobile tools, the latter has 50% loss in merchandise.
The cause of the fire is unknown at this time.
Photos from before Poble Vell
The Restaurant has been a venue for concerts, but also important political events for the country. Today’s newspaper in its archive has recorded some events such as a meeting of candidates for magistrates of the Supreme Court of Justice in March 2003.
Candidates for magistrates of the Supreme Court of Justice. Photo EDH Archive
As well as a 2003 meeting of FMLN members, including Schafik Hand when he was a presidential candidate.
Schafik Hand with FMLN members in 2003 when he was a presidential candidate. Photo EDH Archive
Poble Vell was also known for its nights of live music and concerts. Among the artists who visited the Restaurant is Aniceto Molina.
Aniceto Molina in a concert given at the Poble Vell Restaurant
Dance nights were one of the attractions of Poble Vell. Photo EDH Archive
Bar of the Poble Vell Restaurant. Photo EDH Archive