LOS ANGELES — Sardo’s Grill and Lounge, the home of Porn Star Karaoke for the past 11-plus years, will be closed for at least the next two weeks due to damage caused by a fire Monday.
Sardo’s owner Seymour Satin told XBIZ that even though the fire was contained in the kitchen, the smoke damaged the entire restaurant located at 259 N. Pass Ave in Burbank, Calif.
“There was a refrigerator that caught on fire about 7 a.m. Monday morning, no one was here at the time,” Satin said. “We have guys here doing damage assessment and inventory right now. The kitchen is gutted out.”
The electrical short in the fridge caused an estimated $150,000 in damage, the owner confirmed Wednesday.
Satin said he’ll need to install all new custom booths and chairs and apply a new paintjob before re-opening.
“That’s what they’re just telling me now,” Satin said. “And all the liquor, every single item of beer has to be disposed of.”
The establishment originally opened in 1967 when it was called the Old Town Inn before it became Sardo’s a year later. Satin, who is the fifth owner, has been running the bar for the past 13 years. He said he is hoping to re-open as soon as possible.
“I’m very concerned about my staff,” Satin said. “And the loss of clients. If it takes too long they find another place to go.”
When he does re-open, “It will be a brand new bar at that point in time,” Satin added. “I’m sure people will keep on coming in. I don’t want to lose my regulars, they’ve become like family. And this is the first time we’ve ever missed a PSK, ever.”
