A family-run restaurant that has been a fixture in Chatham for nearly half a century was damaged by fire early Tuesday morning. Chatham-Kent fire officials say damage to the property is estimated at about $1 million. According to family, security video from a neighbouring business shows the fire at Mike’s Place Dining Lounge, at the corner of Sunnyside and Queen Street, broke out at around 2 a.m. Chatham-Kent Fire is investigating, and the Office of the Fire Marshal (OFM) is on the way to the scene. Owner Mike Buckler opened the restaurant when he was 22 years old and has run it for 48 years. He says he is devastated. Beyond serving the community’s meals, the Buckler family has been a strong supporter of Special Olympics, raising more than $100,000 for the organization over the years. There is no word yet on the cause of the fire or a damage estimate.
