Brick’s Smoked Meats closes permanently after fire

SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - Brick’s Smoked Meats said it has permanently closed following a fire Monday morning at its downtown Sarasota restaurant.The closure comes days before the restaurant had planned to serve its final customers on Saturday, Oct. 10. Brick’s had previously announced it was preparing for new ownership.In a message to customers, the restaurant said the fire forced it to close earlier than planned.ORIGINAL REPORTING | Fire confined to oven at Sarasota restaurant“Unfortunately, due to the fire, we are unable to continue operating and will not be reopening,” Brick’s said in the statement.ABC7 crews at the scene reported the fire was confined to an oven shortly before 8 a.m. Monday. Firefighters and police responded to the State Street restaurant after smoke was seen coming from the first floor of the multistory commercial building.No injuries were reported.Brick’s thanked customers for their support, loyalty and love during its 9.5 years serving Sarasota.