An overnight fire has caused significant damage to the Palace Grill, an iconic Chicago restaurant renowned for its breakfast offerings and cherished collection of memorabilia, according to authorities. The incident took place on Thursday night, prompting firefighters to rush to the scene on Chicago's Near West Side.

Fire Department spokesperson Larry Langford shared photos of the fire damage on X, formerly known as Twitter, confirming that no injuries were reported. However, the interior of the restaurant, which has been a popular gathering spot for hockey players, police officers, and firefighters since its establishment in 1938, suffered extensive damage.

Preliminary investigations conducted by Langford suggest that the fire originated from a grease fire near a grill in the restaurant's kitchen. Firefighters swiftly took action to contain the flames, cutting a hole in the roof and dousing the fire with a significant amount of water.

The owner of the Palace Grill, George Lemperis, expressed shock at the extent of the damage. Lemperis revealed that the restaurant had been closed when the fire broke out, with employees leaving the premises around 3 p.m., nearly seven hours prior to the incident. Upon receiving the news, Lemperis immediately rushed to the scene and was stunned by the destruction.

The Palace Grill, located just blocks away from the United Center in Chicago, holds a special place in the hearts of locals and visitors alike. It has become an American institution and has even welcomed notable figures such as then-Vice President Al Gore and Russian Prime Minister Viktor Chernomyrdin, as reported by the Sun-Times. The restaurant was also featured on "The Oprah Winfrey Show," further cementing its status as a beloved establishment.

While the cause of the fire is still under investigation, authorities believe it was contained relatively quickly thanks to the swift response of the firefighters. As the Palace Grill assesses the damage and begins the process of rebuilding, its loyal patrons and the wider community are sure to rally around this cherished landmark in the heart of Chicago.