Photos and video show the extensive damage to Oscar’s Frozen Custard & Sandwiches on November 19 after a fire “ravaged” the popular Waukesha, Wisconsin, restaurant. The cause remains unclear.
“It is with profound sadness that we are posting today about the loss of our beloved Brookfield Location. As most of you already know the building was ravaged by fire early this morning – at this time we have no further details to share as to how the fire started, we are happy to provide more information on that side of things when we have more,” a November 19 statement on the restaurant’s Facebook page said.
“At this moment, what stands out as the most important part of this tragedy is that it happened without injury to anyone – thank goodness no one was in the building,” the statement says, sharing a dramatic photo.
“We are incredibly thankful to the emergency crews that responded to fight the fire and equally thankful that none were hurt in the process. The Taylor Family wishes to thank each and every one of you for your kind words, your prayers and your well wishes. We are a bit shaken this morning but rest assured we will be back! Please continue to support us by visiting our West Allis and Franklin locations – we will keep you posted on what’s next for our Waukesha location. Thank you all so very much. ❤”
CBS 58 obtained video of the fire while it was ongoing. “I couldn’t believe it,” co-owner Susie Taylor said to Fox 6. “We were in shock last night when we saw the fire trucks and the flames burning in front of our eyes.”
“I’m sad to hear about last night’s devastating fire at Oscar’s Frozen Custard & Sandwiches in Brookfield. Please find it in your heart to support Susie and Jim by visiting their Franklin and West Allis locations to show your support and let them know that we’re very thankful for all they do!” wrote Brian Kramp of Fox 6 on Facebook.
Wisconsin Right Now was at the scene.
“The fire was mainly a defensive fire, because of the extent of the fire coming into the roof. It’s just really unsafe for the firefighters to go inside and extinguish the fire that way,” said Town of Brookfield Fire Chief John Schilling to Fox 6, adding that the call came in from a passerby right after midnight. WISN-TV reported that the restaurant was a “total loss.”
Area residents lamented the loss. “Oh no. We loved going there after sporting events with our teams!” wrote one area woman on Wisconsin Right Now’s social media comment threads.
“A landmark gone!😢” wrote another.
