Jacob Wirth owner heartbroken by fire that gutted building – NBC Boston

A years-long effort to reopen popular Theater District restaurant Jacob Wirth suffered a major blow Monday when a fire caused millions of dollars in damage to the building.

Boston firefighters battled the four-alarm fire at 31-37 Stuart St. overnight Tuesday. No injuries were reported. By the time it was brought under control, the fire had caused an estimated $3 million in damage, according to the Boston Fire Department.

A group including executives from City Realty and Royale Entertainment Group worked to renovate and reopen the historic brewery. Founded in 1868, Jacob Wirth attracted generations of Bostonians and tourists, drawn to its beer, bratwurst and songs, until it closed in 2018 after being damaged by fire.

The new ownership group purchased the three-story property in February 2023 after leasing the site for more than a year. The reopening was hampered by numerous delays, partly due to the need to repair damage caused by the previous fire. Because the building's interior is a city landmark, the redevelopment required unusual scrutiny from city officials.

“We are heartbroken by the fire last night. We have worked diligently to restore this iconic building, first opened in 1868, to continue Jacob Wirth’s great legacy for future generations,” said Royale Principal Jamison LaGuardia in a statement on behalf of Jacob Wirth Realty Trust.

Read more about this story from the Boston Business Journal