Columbus's The Thurman Cafe Suffers Severe Fire Damage in German Village A significant fire broke out at The Thurman Cafe in German Village on April 12, 2026, causing extensive damage to the historic restaurant. The incident occurred in the early afternoon, with the first emergency call arriving at 2:18 p.m. local time. According to Bryan Bishop, a battalion chief with the Columbus Fire Department, the fire was discovered when workers at the establishment noticed smoke emanating from the building. Bishop confirmed that six to eight employees were successfully evacuated from the premises before the flames fully developed. The fire quickly escalated, prompting a rapid response from local emergency services. Over 30 firefighters arrived at the scene to combat the blaze, which was found to be spreading from the rear of the building. The smoke and heat caused significant structural damage, though no injuries were reported among the staff or nearby residents. The restaurant, located at 183 Thurman Ave., is a well-known landmark in the German Village neighborhood, celebrated for its unique culinary offerings. Among its most iconic dishes is the Thurmanator, a massive burger featuring two 12-ounce beef patties and an array of 12 distinct toppings. The fire has left the establishment in ruins, raising concerns about the future of this beloved local eatery. Fire officials have not yet determined the cause of the blaze, stating that the investigation is ongoing. Bishop emphasized that the incident is under review by both the fire department and local authorities to identify potential contributing factors. The Columbus Fire Department has pledged to provide regular updates as more information becomes available.#german_village #thurman_cafe #columbus_fire_department #bryan_bishop #thurmanator
