Although it hasn't been around long, Ritchie County residents we spoke to are pleased with the Crossroads restaurant.

"I was there a couple of weeks ago," says Sue Boothe, Smithville Resident. "The food is great, and the people are very nice, and it's a good atmosphere. It's a good place to go and eat."

But they're saddened by the fire which broke out shortly after 1 A.M. Wednesday, leaving the business a total loss. Even thoughts of the firefighters from throughout Ritchie County, who spent the night putting it out, were with the restaurant's staff.

"Our concerns here last night were the people who work here, the loss of their jobs, the loss of the restaurant itself," says James White, Assistant Chief, Pennsboro Volunteer Fire Department. "It's a great place to eat at, it really helped the community, and it was sad to see the fire. They're our friends, the workers losing their jobs. It's just a great loss to our community. We're just sad over it."

The West Virginia Fire Marshal's office was at the scene, but it isn't certain whether the fire is suspicious in nature. No one was inside at the time it started, but white says some items from the business were salvaged. and those who have been there hope it hasn't served its last meal.

" I hope they get it fixed up soon," Boothe said, "so you can go in and have a good dinner again."

Pennsboro Fire Chief Robert Riggs says the fire marshal's office has completed its investigation, and that the cause is still listed as undetermined.

Riggs says insurance companies will now take over the investigation.
In addition to Pennsboro, volunteer fire units from Ellenboro and Harrisville responded to Wednesday night's fire.

The Crossroads Cafe in Pennsboro when up in flames early Wednesday morning. Emergency crews were called to the Ritchie County restaurant at 1:16 a.m.

Pennsboro firefighters battled the fire. No one was injured. The investigation into the cause is underway, but for now it appears to be accidental.