Popular Torrance saloon goes up in flames in major strip mall fire

Community rallies behind Torrance saloon

The Torrance community rallied behind their beloved Texas Loosey's Saloon days after the building burned down.

TORRANCE, Calif. - A group of business owners were devastated after a three-alarm fire ripped through a strip mall in Torrance overnight.

Firefighters from multiple agencies were called to the 22200 block of Palos Verdes Boulevard around 2 a.m. Monday.

One of those businesses included Texas Loosey’s, a beloved saloon and BBQ restaurant that had been there for over four decades. The owner, who didn’t want to speak on camera, started working there as an employee before he eventually took over the business.

"It’s very shocking to all of us," the owner’s son, Kevin Esparza, told FOX 11.

Local saloon destroyed in fire

A fire broke out at a Torrance strip mall, destroying Texas Loosey's Saloon. Both the owner and the restaurant's customers were devastated. Officials are investigating what caused the fire.

Business owners devastated by strip mall fire

One of the businesses that went up in flames was Texas Loosey's, a salon that had been around for over four decades.

The saloon owner said the restaurant was able to stay afloat during the coronavirus pandemic thanks to its loyal customers. While the fire is a major setback, he plans to rebuild.

Texas Loosey's was set to celebrate its 41st anniversary next month.

"This is all sudden to everyone and we do ask for some privacy for the Esparaza Family," a post on Facebook said. The post also announced a candlelight vigil in honor of Texas Loosey's on Friday, Nov. 10 at 6 p.m.

While fire officials said at least four businesses were damaged, no injuries have been reported to civilians or firefighters.

The fire was declared a knockdown by 5 a.m.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.