T-Bones, Cactus Jack's evacuated Sunday from heat system failure, both now open

LACONIA — The Laconia Fire Department responded to T-Bones and Cactus Jack’s restaurants on Union Avenue Sunday night to what was later determined to be a heating unit failure. The unit was repaired and both restaurants were open Monday. 

Restaurant staff called 911 around 10:30 p.m., reporting smoke in each floor of the restaurant building, according to Fire Chief Tim Joubert. Both seeing and smelling smoke, staff also pulled the fire alarm and evacuated customers, Joubert said. Because of the size of the building, Laconia Fire requested help from emergency services in Meredith, Tilton-Northfield, Gilford and Belmont. 

A two-hour search determined the smoke came from a faulty heating unit, Joubert said. Because the building houses two restaurants, meaning two kitchens and a large gas and HVAC system, the search took longer than a similar search might of another venue. 

“There was no fire,” Joubert said, and “damage was contained to the heating unit.” 

“One of the managers smelled something like a burning motor — it's a very distinct smell,” said Tom Boucher, owner and chief executive officer of Great NH Restaurants, which has six T-Bones and two Cactus Jack's locations statewide.

“I spoke with the manager that was on duty and he said the fire department was very thorough in making sure everything was safe and that we didn't have a fire inside the wall. They were great,” Boucher said.

One lane of Union Avenue was closed for about 30 minutes, according to Joubert, during the response because of a fire engine staged at a hydrant as a precaution.

The heating unit was repaired and Boucher said it was business as usual Monday.