Big’s Chicken Went Up in Flames Early Thursday Morning (Updated)

UPDATED UPDATE: Big’s owner Ben Dyer emailed Eater PDX on Friday to comment on where things stand. Here’s what he told us and what you need to know:

“The fire was not our fault. The report has not come out yet, but I believe it started in a piece of equipment on the side of the building that didn't belong to us. We were an unfortunate casualty of the building's fire.”

“The building is a total loss, they will be knocking it down.”

“We will be back. Unfortunately not in the same location, hopefully in the same neighborhood, but we need to weigh all of our options as we move forward. it's really unfortunate, because we were really excited about being a part of that neighborhood.”

“We will be moving temporarily back to the roots of Big's Chicken, back into the parking lot outside of Laurelhurst Market. We'll probably be there for the rest of the summer.... Unless something else comes up.”

“The big loser in all of this? Those poor tenants who lived in the building. There are a little over a dozen people who have been displaced and lost almost everything they own. We will be organizing fundraisers to support them in this difficult time.”

UPDATE: Eater PDX has reached out to Big’s Chicken owner Ben Dyer, but, understandably, have yet to hear back. He did tell The O that while the fire didn’t completely damage the restaurant, it will likely take month for him to get it back up to speed.

Portland Fire & Rescue is reporting that the fire has displaced as many as 14 people who were living in apartments above Big’s.

Also: The cause of the fire is still being determined, but PF&R says, after initial inspections, it appears to have stemmed from an electrical issue.

ORIGINAL REPORT:KOIN 6 reported that the building that housed Big’s Chicken erupted into flames this morning just before 7 a.m.

The fire also engulfed the apartment complex above Big’s. According to KOIN, Portland Fire & Rescue rescued two people stuck in the apartment by ladder. One person, it reports, jumped from an open window. At least three people have been treated for injuries.

Big’s Chicken—owned and operated by the crew that runs Laurelhurst Market, Dining Hall, and Reverend’s BBQ—has only been open since late-April.

Developing. Stay tuned.

Big’s Chicken: 5663 NE Glisan St.