by Mick Rhodes | editor@claremont-courier.com

Walter’s Restaurant, the iconic Claremont eatery that celebrated its 50^th anniversary last November, caught fire early Thursday morning.

“Extensive damage, we will be closed until further notice,” wrote Laila A. Ghafarshad, daughter-in-law to owners Nangy and Fahima Gharfarshad, on Claremont Connects Facebook page, adding the fire had burned through the roof at the 310 N. Yale Ave. location.

No injuries were reported as a result of the blaze, which started about 2 a.m., according to police. An investigation is ongoing.

Walter’s was closed Tuesday “due to an electrical issue,” according to restaurant’s website.

A 35-seat coffee shop when the Gharfarshads purchased the building in 1973, Walter’s has grown to include a greatly expanded restaurant, a bar, lounge, and an event space, with a capacity of 500.

Walter’s had another fire in 1987 that nearly destroyed the restaurant.

Courier photos/Tom Smith