Kinch Says He Will Reopen Manresa 'Stronger and Better'

Chef David Kinch says he will reopen Manresa following the two-alarm fire that damaged the two Michelin-starred California restaurant yesterday morning. Kinch tells the San Jose Mercury News: "I think we're going to be a stronger and better restaurant." Kinch would not say how long he anticipates closing the restaurant for repairs, but a fire official estimates it may be "several months."

Fire officials also tell the Mercury News that the restaurant will need a new roof. Other damage is largely from smoke and water. Officials estimate that the fire caused $300,000 worth of damages, but Kinch "said it's far too early to make such claims and called it 'speculation.'" On Twitter, the restaurant thanked the fire department for their swift response, noting their work "is the reason why so much of Manresa was saved." The fire seems to have started outside of the restaurant (which had been closed since July 3) and an investigation is ongoing. Reps for the restaurant have told Eater that the restaurant will be releasing a statement. Below, members of the food world respond to the news:

Reactions from the Food World:

1/2 Expressing our deepest gratitude to @sccfiredept for your quick and professional response to the @ManresaCA yesterday. We know your...

— Manresa Restaurant (@ManresaCA) July 8, 2014

2/2 ...hard work in battling the fire is the reason why so much of Manresa was saved. With highest appreciation, thank you. @sccfiredept

— Manresa Restaurant (@ManresaCA) July 8, 2014

Devastating news: Serious fire @ManresaCA. We are stunned and worried for @davidkinch and dozens of folks & businesses impacted by it.

— Love Apple Farms (@LoveAppleFarms) July 7, 2014

This is terrible news!! "Fire Rages through the kitchen of Manresa Restaurant" http://t.co/zUoWYAOHED

— Rene Redzepi (@ReneRedzepiNoma) July 7, 2014

This is terrible. Thoughts are w/@davidkinch & team "@insidescoopsf: Manresa suffers early morning fire in Los Gatos http://t.co/WOv3m8ZpbA"

— daniel patterson (@dcpatterson) July 7, 2014

terrible to learn of the @ManresaCA fire this morning…wishing @davidkinch and crew a speedy reopening #Manresa

— Michelin Guide (@MichelinGuideSF) July 7, 2014

Very sad to hear about the fire at @ManresaCA by @davidkinch. Best wishes for a speedy re-opening: http://t.co/6asmgM7Wdr

— ryan sutton (@qualityrye) July 7, 2014

OMG http://t.co/1jv5zoHGHC. Huge prayers and hugs go out to David and the whole Manresa family. This is awful news. How can we help???

— Andrew Zimmern (@andrewzimmern) July 7, 2014

Our thoughts are with David Kinch and everyone @ManresaCA http://t.co/HhNAd91oG5

— Thomas Keller (@Chef_Keller) July 7, 2014

Our hearts are with @davidkinch and entire Manresa team... Let us know how Yountville can help.

— The French Laundry (@_TFL_) July 7, 2014

No, no, no. @ManresaCA has suffered a serious fire: http://t.co/ge3J2yaHVG

— Jonathan Kauffman (@jonkauffman) July 7, 2014

Deepest sympathies to @davidkinch and everybody at Manresa. Rise again even stronger!

— Esben Holmboe Bang (@EsbenHB) July 7, 2014

Horrible news, I hope everyone is ok! 2-Alarm Fire Rages Through Kitchen Of Swanky Los Gatos' Manresa Restaurant « http://t.co/YXLBd1Rxtb

— GRAHAM ELLIOT (@grahamelliot) July 7, 2014

Oh no!! Manresa caught fire!! Heart goes out to all the staff. http://t.co/DVv5vHkTYH

— Dana Cree (@deensie) July 7, 2014

Sending our thoughts to @davidkinch this morning and everyone @ManresaCA - hope everyone is all right David

— Dan Hunter (@ChefDanHunter) July 7, 2014

Everyone from the @craigieonmain @tapandtrotter team is sending bushels of best wishes to @ManresaCA team and @davidkinch

— Tony Maws (@tmaws) July 7, 2014

Our hearts go out to @ManresaCA and @davidkinch. Wishing them a quick recovery.

— Le Pigeon (@LePigeonPDX) July 7, 2014

Echoing the thoughts and concerns of many for @davidkinch and the @ManresaCA team toward a quick recovery after this morning's fire.

— Michael Laiskonis (@mlaiskonis) July 7, 2014

Our #TRAMily is thinking of the entire @ManresaCA team after news of the fire. Please let us know if we can help. @davidkinch

— The Restaurant (@TheRestaurantMW) July 7, 2014

thoughts are with @davidkinch and the whole @ManresaCA team. that restaurant is the reason i cook.

— ari taymor (@AriTaymor) July 7, 2014

· Los Gatos Restaurateur Vows to Reopen Acclaimed Venue [SJMN via Eater SF]
· Manresa Fire: David Kinch's California Restaurant Suffers 'Major Damage' [-E-]
· All Manresa Coverage on Eater [-E-]