Food lovers mourn loss of ‘landmark’ restaurant in fire

LECLAIRE – The loss of Steventon’s Riverfront Food & Spirits in this community is hitting home with many people. Those people are hoping the restaurant will have a comeback story and rebuild after a massive fire at the business. The longtime fine dining restaurant at 1399 Eagle Ridge Road was heavily damaged by fire during […]

LECLAIRE – The loss of Steventon's Riverfront Food & Spirits in this community is hitting home with many people. Those people are hoping the restaurant will have a comeback story and rebuild after a massive fire at the business.

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The longtime fine dining restaurant at 1399 Eagle Ridge Road was heavily damaged by fire during the early morning hours of Friday, Jan. 3. That fire appears to have centered on the northeast side of the Steventon’s, destroying much of the building. That restaurant was missing its roof and boarded up as of this morning, Jan. 6. The entire Steventon’s property – still featuring a Christmas tree and many holiday decorations on the outside of the building —  was surrounded by police caution tape Monday. “The cause of the fire is currently unknown, but fortunately, no one was injured. We are very grateful for the efforts of the first responders who came to help us,” according to a statement posted on the Steventon’s business website and Facebook page. The fire was reported at about 1:40 a.m. Friday. When fire crews arrived on the scene, they could see heavy smoke and flames coming from the northeast side of the building. The cause of the fire is still under investigation by the LeClaire Fire Department. The restaurant’s Facebook post added: ”We at Steventon’s would like to express our gratitude for the kind words and support we have received during this difficult time. Since Steventon Wagner opened our restaurant atop the bluff overlooking the Mississippi River in 1992, we have greatly enjoyed serving our customers and friends. It has been our pleasure to help you celebrate anniversaries, birthdays, date nights, and other special occasions.  We would also like to thank our staff for their love and loyalty to Stevenson’s. For 32 years, they have been an integral part of making Steventon’s as special as it has been. We have loved and supported the LeClaire community and the Quad Cities from the very beginning, and we sincerely hope to have the opportunity to serve you all again in the future.” Fans of Steventon’s and members of the community also hope the iconic restaurant will return to serve the community. Cindy Bruhn, LeClaire’s tourism manager, called Steventon’s a centerpiece business in the community that has helped make LeClaire a destination place for many visitors. “It has been such a great restaurant experience since 1992. Delicious food, friendly service, wonderful ambiance, live music on the deck, beautiful firepit and the Mississippi river view. It just doesn't get much better than this. So many people have happy memories of special events celebrated there and relaxing dinner and cocktails on the deck with live music. We can only hope that they choose to rebuild and can come back better than ever,” she said in an email message to the QCBJ. Dave Herrell, president and CEO of Visit Quad Cities, called Steventon’s a great business and tradition in the region. “We are saddened about the situation, but are hopeful that the owners and Steventon’s team will be able to come back stronger and serve the community in the future. Our culinary scene and restaurant industry is vital for tourism and visitor experience and Steventon’s has always been simply one of the top places in the region for people to gather. We wish them the very best as they navigate this challenging situation and are hopeful for their future,” Mr. Herrell told the QCBJ in an email Monday. Leaders with another LeClaire business also have added their support to Steventon’s. The Mississippi River Distilling Co. (MRDC) posted a message on Facebook, saying “This landmark restaurant has been a cornerstone of our dining and cocktail scene for decades, creating countless memories for locals and visitors alike. … Steventon’s has been more than just a restaurant — it’s been a piece of LeClaire’s heart. You will be sorely missed, and we’re here for you with hopes for your amazing return,” according to the Facebook message. The MRDC post added: “We extend our deepest condolences to the Wagner family and all of the Steventon’s staff during this incredibly difficult time. Please know that we stand ready and willing to support your team however we can as you navigate the road ahead.”