Sharkey’s, also the former site of Big JJ Fish & Chicken, was deemed a total loss after an early Saturday morning blaze.
Peoria Firefighter/Paramedics were called at 12:30 to 913 S. Western Ave. on reports of a structure fire.
The entire building was engulfed upon first responders’ arrival.
Crews attacked the blaze from the front and the rear because of its intensity, and had it extinguished in about 25 minutes. However, they had to remain on scene for close to 2.5 hours to douse hot spots.
A fire investigator called to the scene said an explosion from inside the building triggered the incident.
No one was hurt.