An Audrain County landmark was lost to fire on Feb. 21 as Teddy Joe’s Bar and Grill in Martinsburg burned to the ground. Martinsburg Area Fire Protection was joined by emergency personnel and departments from Middletown, Wellsville, Mexico Public Safety, Little Dixie, Laddonia, as well as Ameren. Crews were called out at 10:45 a.m. and fought the blaze for hours.

Teddy Joe’s has earned a reputation for its atmosphere, history and good food. Its logo hearkened to the building’s blacksmithing history, a history that played an integral part in Teddy Joe’s. One bystander noted that diners came from miles around to enjoy a steak on Friday nights. News of the fire spread quickly through social media, as aerial shots showed a black pillar of smoke lofting skyward. Despite the efforts of emergency personnel, the fire burned quickly, consuming the structure. Firefighters worked into the day, continuing to douse flames in the remains. Charred chairs continued to stand, seemingly ready for diners, and a steady stream of onlookers joined in mourning the loss.

No one was injured in the blaze; an investigation into the cause is being conducted.