Fire destroys a popular restaurant and spa business in Mishawaka

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Mishawka, IN
Posted: 6:13 AM Aug 8, 2008
Last Updated: 9:47 AM Aug 8, 2008

82 comments

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Two locally owed businesses are a total loss after a fire broke out early Friday morning on Grape Road in Mishawaka.

A third business has suffered heavy smoke damage.

Politios Italian Restaurant and Factory Direct Spas caught fire around 2 a.m. Friday and both buildings were destroyed.

Investigators say the Outback Steakhouse building next door suffered heavy smoke damage.

Firefighters responded to the scene after heavy smoke was spotted at the scene.

Bleachers Bar, which is a few hundred feet away, was evacuated as a precaution when crews arrived at the scene.

The owners of Politos and Factory Direct Spas were at the scene as crews battled the blaze.

Politos has been in the JMS Plaza for 12 years and both businesses have been in the area for decades.

Both north and southbound lanes of Grape Road between Indian Lakes and Edison were closed for a few hours, but are now open.

Stay with Newscenter 16 throughout the day for much more on this tragic story.

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Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.

Posted by: Mike Lee Location: Mishawaka on Sep 4, 2008 at 11:51 PM
Obviously, "SHOCKED IN GRANGER" only knows the simeri's by name. The comments placed on this blog by the tennants and employees in the JMS Plaza pretty much tells it all. The Simeri's faulty wiring and many, many other code violations are undoubtably what caused this fire. That Plaza should be closed down until the Simeri's bring all violations up to code. Two business owners lost the businesses they worked very hard to build. Who's going to compensate them for their loss "THE SIMERI'S" HUH! They're only interest is getting their new building (paid for by their insurance company)built, and getting new tennants. Have they done "ANYTHING" to compensate the business owners? All I can say is if "FAULTY WIRING" or any other code violations are found to be the cause, sue Simeri for your losses. If you cause the fire, belive me, they would take your last dime and kick you to the curb. That's the only way you get any compensation from the Simeri's. Shame on code enforcement too!

Posted by: SCHOCKED Location: GRANGER on Aug 30, 2008 at 12:49 PM
OH MY GOSH, I NEVER REALIZED I LIVED IN SUCH A CRUEL COMMUNITY. I HAVE KNOW THE SIMERI'S FOR 50 YEARS. THEY ARE VERY HARD WORKING AND WONDERFUL PEOPLE. WHY DO PEOPLE ALWAYS KNOCK PEOPLE WHO ARE SUCCESFUL? THEY ARE JEALOUS AND DONT LIKE THEMSELVES, SO THEY HAVE TO PUT DOWN OTHER PEOPLE. IF I DIDNT KNOW BETTER, I WOULD HAVE GUESSED POLITO FOR STARTING HIS OWN FIRE. AFTER ALL, WHEN YOU ARE HOOKED ON COCAINE, AND BEEN IN JAIL, HURTING FOR MONEY, AND GETTING A DIVORCE, I GUESS SOME EXTRA CASH FROM THE INSURANCE COMPANY WOULD COME IN QUITE HANDY, ESPECIALLY IF YOU WANTED TO MOVE TO NEW PLACE. WHAT ON EARTH WOULD CHARLIE WEISS HAVE IN COMMON WITH POLITOS UNLESS HE IS ON COCAINE HIMSELF. MAYBE THEY USE EACH OTHER, BIRDS OF A FEATHER, FLOCK TOGETHER

Posted by: Tenille M Salas Location: South Bend on Aug 27, 2008 at 03:46 PM
Polito's will be re opening on Sept 5th, 2008 at 401 N Hickory Rd South Bend, IN 46615. 574-243-5385. We have a fundraiser on Aug 31 from 2-4 at Strikes and Spares Bowling Alley in Mishsawaka. We look forward to seeing everyone soon!

Posted by: A loyal customer Location: South Bend on Aug 18, 2008 at 11:18 PM
So excited that Polito's is reopening soon, and better yet, even closer to our house! Yay!! Met Frank maybe 14 years ago, or so, when he worked at Scotto's Pizza in UP mall. Such a nice, hardworking guy. My daughter (then about 3, and now 17) loved going there to eat, and to see Frank, because he'd always serve her a "special" pizza slice. (He would cut it into little pieces just for her, perfect and easy for her to handle). She's always remembered him for that, and him telling her (when she was sad that Scotto's was closing), that he wanted to open his own place and she could come there for her pizza. He did, and it's been her favorite restaurant all of these years! I can guarantee that we'll be there on (re)opening day. I'm so glad that during what must certainly be a most difficult and trying time, both businesses are receiving so much support and encouragement from their customers. Both will be back, better than ever, I'm sure!

Posted by: Courtney Location: Mishawaka on Aug 16, 2008 at 12:07 AM
HELLO POLITOS LOVERS!! I am the Event Manager at Strikes & Spares Entertainment Center at the corner of Grape & Douglas in Mishawaka. On Sunday, August 31st, from 2-4pm we are hosting a fundraiser called, "Play for Polito's." $10/per person includes: 1 Game of Bowling, Shoe Rental, 1 Round of Mini-Golf, 1 Hot Dog, and 1 Sm Soft Drink. $5/per person goes to Polito's to help them get their new doors open ASAP!! Come support them! They will all be there to thank you for all your support in these hard times! THANKS and see you on the 31st!!

Posted by: Stephanie Location: Indianapolis on Aug 13, 2008 at 04:37 PM
I travel to Mishawaka every month for business. Polito's was one of the few highlights of my trip! Everytime I am there I bring home Polito's!! I also beg them to build one in Indianapolis!

Posted by: David Location: Mishawaka on Aug 11, 2008 at 08:47 AM
if ur fighting on a comment part of the news, raise ur hands. lame!!

Posted by: Chris & Debbie Location: Mishawaka on Aug 10, 2008 at 10:55 PM
Bob, This "CARL" JERK that posted the negative crap about your store is probably one of you competitors! You don't maintain a business like yours in a small town like Mishawaka for "20 YEARS", and sell/service all the spas your company has, unless you take care of your customers. Don't worry about this jerk. He just wishes his spa business did half the business you do.

Posted by: me Location: mishawaka on Aug 10, 2008 at 08:26 PM
easy there, it's not that most of us on hear are cold hearted about the spa place, don't own one, so never been there, but a vast majority of the area has tried polito's at least once so they are extending comfort to those they are familiar with. if i see a death on the news, i think, how sad. but if my neighbor is killed, it affects me more cuz i know them...see where i'm going with this?

Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 10, 2008 at 02:18 PM
HEY CARL: If you have nothing nice to say dont say anything at all...no morals. There are families that have to start all over again and there is more than one business that was burnt down too besides politos...do we not see that???? The spa store was a family owned business also so I suggest you keep your mouth shut if you nothing nice to say.

Posted by: confused on Aug 10, 2008 at 02:16 PM
what happened to rathskelars? I was just there last fall and the pizza was great and they were packed?

Posted by: joe Location: hell on Aug 10, 2008 at 09:56 AM
arson!

Posted by: I LOVE Politos!! Location: South Bend on Aug 9, 2008 at 10:41 PM
GOOD NEWS POLITOS LOVERS!! We just signed the lease on the former Rathskeller building on Hickory Rd (between Edison & McKinley). We will reopen in just a couple weeks! Make sure to visit us in our new location! Big Thank Yous to everyone who is praying for our family and employees. We appreciate all the love and support!

Posted by: 2nd anyonymous Location: granger on Aug 9, 2008 at 09:16 PM
Politos will be reopening in the old rathskelar's pizza place on hickory road. look for it to be up and running in a month tops. All previous employees will be asked to return so there are no lost jobs. Look for the grand opening soon.

Posted by: Polito afficando on Aug 9, 2008 at 07:51 PM
U heard right Anonymous! Look 4 Polito's 2 b open soon!

Posted by: julia Location: mishawaka on Aug 9, 2008 at 07:34 PM
To Captain Caveman Your just upset about being fired from Outback Steak house, get over it !that was thirteen years ago, and you still cant spell

Posted by: anonymous Location: mishawaka on Aug 9, 2008 at 07:28 PM
To all of you that said you wish outback would have burned down, you are the people we dont want in our rest anyways,to Frank and Bob we wish you the best of luck you will come back , too many people out there that will miss you including me

Posted by: RAGGEDY Location: SOUTH BEND on Aug 9, 2008 at 07:15 PM
I am so sorry to hear about politos and the spa place. best of luck rebuild as soon as you can and we all will be there to help you celebrate

Posted by: Carl Location: Mish on Aug 9, 2008 at 05:38 PM
Politos will do great no matter were they go! Hang in there Politos we'll be watching for your new location. Also sorry for the spa place even though they have jerked several of my associates and neighbors around over the last few years!

Posted by: Linda Location: Elkhart on Aug 9, 2008 at 02:53 PM
I was really sorry to hear about Politos. Excellent place to eat. I was just in there last Saturday. Best spaghetti and meat balls I have had in a long time. Gods speed in rebuilding and I will try to be there for your grand opening. God Bless and good luck.

Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 9, 2008 at 02:40 PM
I heard Politos may move to the old Village Inn pizza building next to Long John Silvers on Hickory road.

Posted by: Ron Location: Goshen on Aug 9, 2008 at 01:31 PM
Hey, rebuild in Goshen or Elhart Polito's We go to Mishawake to eat there on firday night. Where R we going to eat now Papajohns (NOT) and I do need a hottub LOL GOOD JOB for all the fire Department it look like a HOT fire.....

Posted by: Politos fan Location: facebook on Aug 9, 2008 at 01:08 PM
please, if you have a facebook page, search "Let's rebuild Politos" to join the support group!

Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 9, 2008 at 12:57 PM
im sure they will be ok after all what idiot would operate a buissness without fire insurance

Posted by: Lindsay Location: Mishawaka on Aug 9, 2008 at 10:32 AM
Best of luck to Polito's. I love your pizza!! Hope you open again soon!

Posted by: Outback steakhouse hater Location: Sesame Street on Aug 9, 2008 at 07:19 AM
Too bad Polito's burned down, and too bad that Outback steakhouse didn't burn downn. Their food's awful!!!

Posted by: News Follower Location: Niles on Aug 8, 2008 at 09:44 PM
WOW what Karma!!!! Where is the Mishiwaka idiot that was making the comments about the Niles Fire Department not knowing how to fight a fire when Sue's Hallmark burned the end of June. Looks like similar fire tactics were used in this Mishawaka fire and the one in South Bend with totally destroyed buildings. Hmmmmm, guess the anonymous Mishawaka resident lost their tongue when same thing happens in there own city.

Posted by: Kay Location: Goshen on Aug 8, 2008 at 08:32 PM
I hope Polito's rebuilds-NYC is too far for me to drive to get a good pizza. Polito's is the best I've found since moving back to this area!

Posted by: Michelle Location: granger on Aug 8, 2008 at 06:51 PM
COME BACK SPA STORE ! WE MISS YOU ! GOD BLESS THE EBERHARTS!!!

Posted by: Johnny D Location: Niles, MI on Aug 8, 2008 at 05:50 PM
Mr. Eberhart, I am very sorry to hear about the fire that destroyed your store. You sound very confident that you will be back in operation soon. Good luck! I trust that your H2 was spared from the flames! Its a beautiful vehicle.

Posted by: Johnny D Location: Niles on Aug 8, 2008 at 05:39 PM
Frank and Rebecca, What a tragedy! I have been greiving all day! I dressed all in black for work after hearing the sad news. My friends and coworkers at the H2 plant were shocked and saddened as well. Politos is absolutely the best pizza in the area! Please view this tragedy as an opportunity for renewal and growth. Sieze the opportunity to come back bigger and better. I was planning on buying a few pizzas today to celebrate my grandson's birthday. We will wait patiently until your restaurant rises from the ashes. Your pizza and mastaciolli with vodka sauce are well worth the wait! Just tell us where and when you will reopen and I'm sure all of your customers will be back. If you need a few bucks or a fund raising event in order to reopen let us know! I hope you have the negatives from all of the cool photos that decorated the restaurant, Politos won't be the same without them. I was saddened by the impending loss of Yankee Stadium, but losing Politos is even worse!

Posted by: me Location: South Bend on Aug 8, 2008 at 05:11 PM
So sorry to both businesses for your loss(and ours). Why not consider getting off of Grape Road and move to the south end of South Bend. Both businesses would be a great addition to that end of town.

Posted by: Lauren Location: south bend on Aug 8, 2008 at 04:25 PM
To Kristin: We are from NY, too! Brooklyn. In the mean time if you need some east coast pizza, I suggest Yummy Pizza in Granger. The owners are from Boston. Good stuff, but just not the same as Polito's. I hope they rebuild!

Posted by: JOE Location: SOUTH BEND on Aug 8, 2008 at 04:21 PM
Posted by: Linda Location: Granger on Aug 8, 2008 at 05:34 AM YOU ARE A LOSER!

Posted by: Anon Location: Michigan on Aug 8, 2008 at 03:56 PM
I hope Politos is able to rebuild soon... They have the best pizza around!!! I drive 50 miles round trip to get them....

Posted by: jason s Location: mishawaka on Aug 8, 2008 at 03:42 PM
This really bums me out - I can't wait for Polito's to reopen. Come back soon!

Posted by: gr on Aug 8, 2008 at 03:25 PM
great food great service great little place..Really a shame. Suggestion: tear all of the pizza huts and dominos down and franchise politos!

Posted by: Kristin Location: Mishawaka on Aug 8, 2008 at 02:59 PM
Thanks for the update Bob. I was just wondering what we were going to do about getting our chemicals and also wondering if our warranty was still going to be good on our hot tub we got from you. Thanks for the great service and I hope you get everything up and working again soon. As for Politos..I hope the same for them...what a great place to eat!! it was a "tradition" for me and my husband.....go get hot tub chemicals and stop for a great bite to eat!

Posted by: hungry Location: mishawaka on Aug 8, 2008 at 02:58 PM
Come back soon....I can already taste a huge calzone.mmmmmmmmm Sorry about your loss, hope insurance was good, look forward to the new building. I don't have a spa, but good luck to that guy too.

Posted by: Polito's fan Location: Michiana on Aug 8, 2008 at 02:22 PM
I was shocked to hear of the fire.My entire family have been patrons from the first... I saw Frank and he looked so lost...I feel badly for all the involved, 2 entire families (and at Polito's, extended families as well) out of work in these trying times. We love your food and atmoshere, and hope that you will rebuild soon! Wish the best to both businesses, their owners, and employees!

Posted by: Carla Location: Elkhart on Aug 8, 2008 at 02:00 PM
To Angie, sorry if I offended you by the lack of comment about the spa store. I have never shopped there so I don't know anything about it. I can only comment on that which I know.... Not mentioning them does not equal wishing harm upon them or their business. I always root for the small, independent business owners! I hope they both come out of this stronger than ever. And to Anonymous, what do you mean by Karma? Obviously, these two business owners are well respected in the community. If you have some ax to grind, I think you are the only one.

Posted by: Bob E. Location: Spas Factory Direct on Aug 8, 2008 at 01:44 PM
To all our fantastic customers out there. Thank you for all the support. Yes, we will begin to rebuild immediately. In the mean time we will be operating our of our warehouses behind "what used to be" our showroom. We should have our phone service restored Monday or Tueday, and be up and running again for sales and service. Of course, we will be offering some fantastic deals on Spas. I guess you could say we will be having "fire sale". Thanks again for all the many phone calls offering your support. Spas Factory Direct

Posted by: Cory Location: Elkhart on Aug 8, 2008 at 01:00 PM
TheTruth whats your point? I would love to hear it.

Posted by: Tracy Location: Niles on Aug 8, 2008 at 12:44 PM
To the two of you who said you wish it was Outback that had burned - how ignorant can you be??? Must be heartless people to even say something like that. Are you sure neither of you started the fires??

Posted by: Barbara Location: Mishawaka on Aug 8, 2008 at 12:34 PM
I can not believe that Politos burned down. They were the best pizza place in town. And I am pregnant and been craving Politos almost everyday. Hopefully they rebuild soon.I dont know how long I can go without their delicious pizza. I my heart goes out to the family. Just be strong and know that God is with you.

Posted by: Edwardo Location: So.Bend on Aug 8, 2008 at 12:17 PM
Sounds like some Itilian lighting.. Hope the Insurance covers the losses.

Posted by: Polito Lover Location: mishawaka on Aug 8, 2008 at 11:52 AM
So sad to hear my fav restaraunt is gone. Please rebuild!!!!

Posted by: Britney Location: mishawaka on Aug 8, 2008 at 11:50 AM
A marine mom, how dare you suggest that the firemen are starting fires to show we need the! You should be ashamed of yourself

Posted by: TheTruth on Aug 8, 2008 at 11:45 AM
Three fires....all in the span of 8 hours...What is going on here....

Posted by: mike Location: sturgis on Aug 8, 2008 at 11:14 AM
i am very sorry to hear about this, my heart goes out to the families involved.

Posted by: bell Location: mish on Aug 8, 2008 at 11:06 AM
do i still show up if im scheduled to work today?

Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 8, 2008 at 11:02 AM
Karma

Posted by: k Location: Mish on Aug 8, 2008 at 10:49 AM
go figure, with all these chain restaurants and franchises out on grape rd the independent place has to be the one to burn to the ground...shame.

Posted by: Patron Location: Elkhart on Aug 8, 2008 at 10:27 AM
I am sorry to hear that Politos & F.D.Spa's were destroyed. My family & I have been a customers of both as well as Outback. I hope both Politos & F.D.Spa are able to rebuild and Outback is able to re-open. Parking was at a prime there & maybe this will be a great new beginning for all 3 places.

Posted by: Diane Location: GRANGER on Aug 8, 2008 at 10:19 AM
Sorry to hear about Spas Factory Direct. That was the best place for customer service on my spa. I hope they rebuild soon!!!! God bless!!!

Posted by: Lieutenant Rath Location: South Bend on Aug 8, 2008 at 10:19 AM
I was working at Kohls overnight when this was going on, and we could smell the smoke coming through the dock all night but had no clue that it was such a treasured place as Polito's.

Posted by: Dana Location: Mishawaka on Aug 8, 2008 at 10:06 AM
How upsetting this was to hear about Politos and the Factory Direct Spa. My family has enjoyed eating at Polito's(ohh the vodka sauce) and I hope they rebuild! As for the spa we purchased our spa from them quite a few years back and often come in for our chemicals! Where are we going to get our filter fresh now??? I hope the spa rebuilds as well! Good luck to the owners of both businesses! The community is here if you need us!

Posted by: Captain Caveman Location: Mishawaka on Aug 8, 2008 at 10:00 AM
Too bad Outback didn't go up in flames instead. Their prices and service was terrible. I worked for Outback when they first opened, and had the opertonity to work again for them, and I still wish it was Outaback that would have burned and not a "Mom & Pop" pizza place.

Posted by: A Marine Mom Location: Warsaw on Aug 8, 2008 at 09:54 AM
So sad to have a family business destroyed like this. Prayers that this family will recover, find a new location and re-open soon. Beginning to wonder now if someone is not starting fires to "show" the Southg Bend and Mishawake we need firefighters. So sad if that be the case.

Posted by: Angie Location: South Bend on Aug 8, 2008 at 09:45 AM
Do WE not see that there were to business's burnt to the ground and not just the one that you sit and feed your face in??? Granted it is a devasting loss either way for both business's but there are good people with families that they need to provide for employed at "Wholesale Spas" that will now be without work as well and if your going to have so much compassion for one business at least acknowledge the loss that the people are faced with at "Wholesale Spas" too. I guess it is true that the only way to the heart is through the stomach!!!!! I hope both of you rebuild and become better than before.

Posted by: Carla Location: Elkhart on Aug 8, 2008 at 09:44 AM
My family loves Politos! So sorry to hear of this loss. I'm sure if you rebuild -- whether at the present location or somewhere else -- your loyal customers will be there. Your family will be in my prayers.

Posted by: Kristin Location: Mishawaka on Aug 8, 2008 at 09:35 AM
Polito's HAS to come back!!! My husband and I moved here from NY, and we were so relieved to find real ny pizza in indiana!!

Posted by: Barb Location: SB on Aug 8, 2008 at 09:29 AM
I also feel sorry for both business owners. Bob at the spa store has been in business forever and has a great reputation in the hot tub arena. I am hoping that he will be able to rebuild and go on.

Posted by: Doug Location: Niles on Aug 8, 2008 at 09:06 AM
Outback???? NO!!!!!!!! How bad is the smoke damage? When will they reopen? I don't want to go all they way to Elkhart next week. :(

Posted by: Chris Location: South Bend on Aug 8, 2008 at 08:58 AM
I have also been a patron of politos since they opened. Best place in town to eat and I have brought a ton of people there who think the same. Frank, you are in my prayers and let us all know when and where you reopen. Politos is the best!

Posted by: SaraK Location: Elkhart on Aug 8, 2008 at 08:33 AM
To the owners of Politos, please rebuild! There are many of us in the community who love your restaurant! Keep your spirits up!!

Posted by: M Location: Mishawaka on Aug 8, 2008 at 08:24 AM
Bleachers was not evacuated, I was there. I had no idea that anything was going on untill I walked out of the bar at about 3am. I was sitting right next to the door the whole time there, and no officer or fire fighter ever walked in and told us that we needed to leave, they were quite busy with the task at hand. I am very greatful, however, that no one was hurt or killed by this unfortunate turn of events.

Posted by: Firebug? Location: Mish on Aug 8, 2008 at 08:16 AM
I say Arson. What say you?

Posted by: Anni Location: Granger on Aug 8, 2008 at 08:01 AM
I am an employee of Polito's and I am shocked to hear the news this morning. Rebecca Polito has put so much into this resturant over the year. I wish the best to the famiy becuase this was their business, the whole family worked there. God Bless.

Posted by: Ryan Location: South Bend on Aug 8, 2008 at 07:52 AM
That is just horrible. I hope Politos will rebuild/reopen.

Posted by: Big O on Aug 8, 2008 at 06:57 AM
What an unfortunate thing to have happen, hopefully they will be able to rebuild... so sad

Posted by: Mary Location: SB on Aug 8, 2008 at 06:54 AM
I'm sad to see Politos go. They had great prices and food. I'd like to take a stab at the cause though, electrical?? That place was wired so badly, it was only a matter of time. I'm surprised it ever passed restaurant codes, all the wires hanging everywhere exposed. I'm sure I'm not the only one who has noticed. As far as Outback, I think it would be great for them to move into the old Baker's Square location. It would solve the parking problems, and it would be wayyyy more visable. I'm sure that property is pretty expensive though.

Posted by: Lesley Location: Mishawaka on Aug 8, 2008 at 06:50 AM
I am very saddened by the loss of Polito's. My family and I have been patrons since they opened, and I hope they can reopen the restaurant. We all feel so sorry for the owners and staff.

Posted by: somebody Location: everywhere on Aug 8, 2008 at 06:39 AM
hey look more work for laid off people

Posted by: Linda Location: Granger on Aug 8, 2008 at 06:34 AM
Sounds fishy to me. If I were the police I think I'd be thinking Arson. There's going to be more things like this happen I'm afraid, due to the fact that the announcement was made that the fire dept and police dept are cutting back on their staff. This should be a wake-up call. We NEED the firemen and the police and no layoffs in those areas. Cut out the foolish spending in the cities and things will be OK.

Posted by: Elkhart Location: Elkhart on Aug 8, 2008 at 06:32 AM
Its too bad Outback wasnt destroyed instead of Politos.