A fire engulfed Kaballos Mexican Restaurant in Middlefield Village the morning of April 13, destroying the bar and roof and resulting in what appears to be a total loss, said Lt. Ben Reed, of the Middlefield Village Fire Department.
A fire engulfed Kaballos Mexican Restaurant in Middlefield Village the morning of April 13, destroying the bar and roof and resulting in what appears to be a total loss, said Lt. Ben Reed, of the Middlefield Village Fire Department.
“The employees came in, turned on some lights and smelled something electric burning,” he said in an interview Sunday afternoon, adding no one was injured in the fire.
The department was alerted to a fire at 15585 West High Street about 9:30 a.m., Reed said. When fire trucks arrived a few minutes later, the fire was fully involved and there were already flames visible in the bar area, he said.
Firefighters entered the front of the building and were able to get the blaze put out fairly quickly, but the roof and air conditioning unit were compromised and there was heavy smoke and heat damage throughout the five-star restaurant, Reed said.
Fire departments from Burton, Windsor and Mesopotamia townships automatically answered the call to assist and MFD firefighters stayed on scene until about 2 p.m. working on hot spots in the building, he said.
“It was a worst-case scenario. The fire had too much time to grow,” Reed said.
The fire is still under investigation, but he said he considers it to be accidental.
Ava Gough, an employee of the restaurant since March 2021, started a GoFundMe page for the owner, Ramon Arellano, and his family.
“It’s more than just a job, it has truly been like a second home,” Gough said on GoFundMe page. “Kaballos is a warm, welcoming, family-oriented place. Ramon is a true family man with a deep love for his community. He and his loved ones pour their hearts into the restaurant every single day.”
In December 2023, the Arellanos remodeled the restaurant, Gough said, adding they filled it with personal touches, including a “stunning hand-painted mural created by Ramon’s father.”
“When I say this is a family business, I truly mean family,” she said. “This restaurant has been a beloved staple in the Middlefield community for as long as I can remember. It’s a heartbreaking loss, especially after all the time, love and hard work that went into the recent renovation.
“I’m reaching out to the close-knit Middlefield community to help support Ramon and his family during this incredibly difficult time,” Gough added. “Every bit of help makes a difference. Thank you to everyone who has already reached out — the love and support is deeply felt and appreciated.”
For those interested in donating, visit www.gofundme.com/f/help-rebuild-kaballos-after-devastating-fire.
