New Hamptons hotspot burns to the ground one day before opening

A New Hamptons restaurant has been destroyed by a fire just days before its planned Memorial Day weekend opening. 

Maison Close Montauk was slated to open ready for the holiday weekend and due to start serving customers Friday. 

But on Thursday night, just hours before opening, the restaurant caught fire and burned to the ground. 

Images taken at the scene show the building completely engulfed in flames as crews fight to battle it. 

The local fire department also said that the venue had patrons inside when it went up, but they all escaped safely. 

Eddie Ecker, captain for the Montauk Fire Department told the East Hampton Star: 'When our first responders arrived, the building was fully engulfed.

Firefighters said when the arrived on the scene the full restaurant had been completely engulfed in flames

The local fire department also said that the venue had patrons inside when it went up, but they all escaped safely.

Firefighters said they deployed two water tankers alongside a tower ladder to battle the blaze

'We responded with multiple apparatus: two pumpers, two water tankers, our tower ladder, and a couple of ambulances. There were patrons in there, but everybody was safely removed.'

Captain Ecker also told the news site that the building was damaged irreparably and that twice on Friday morning the fire had managed to rekindle.

Chief Fire Marshal for East Hampton David Browne told DailyMail.com the cause of the fire was still under investigation.  

The restaurant brand launched in New York City's SoHo in July 2022 and was 'inspired by the distinct dining culture inherent to France and its celebration of shared spaces'.

In a statement, the restaurant said: 'We are heartbroken to share that last night a fire devastated the Maison Close Montauk property. 

'Thankfully no one was hurt and we are grateful for the Montauk Fire Department for their assistance. 

'We also want to thank our friends and the community for their support during this time.

'We were looking forward to bring the unique Maison Close experience to Montauk. We will be back.'

The smoke from the fire could be seen from some distance away in the late hours of Thursday

Images of the fire also surfaced on social media, showing the blaze completely taking over the new restaurant 

The popular New York based hotel was due to open its newest location today

The Montauk restaurant was to be the second instalment by the restaurant brand after they opened in New York City's SoHo in July 2022.

In a release on their website, they said their restaurant was 'inspired by the distinct dining culture inherent to France and its celebration of shared spaces'.