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Fire destroys Sunbury's Peppermint Lounge Owner's new fire insurance policy took effect Friday By Tricia Pursell, Amanda O’Rourke and Rick Dandes The Daily Item SUNBURY — More than 100 firefighters used in excess of 1 million gallons of water in battling a two-alarm blaze late Friday afternoon that destroyed a Market Street business. Firefighters from 10 Valley companies fought the blaze that left The Peppermint Ristorante & Music Club, 700 Market St., in ruins and caused air quality concerns at a high rise for senior citizens across the street. “It’s gone, baby,” Robert Snyder said of the business he has owned for 17 years, adding that his former fire insurance policy had expired Thursday. His new policy took effect Friday. Snyder and four employees were setting up speakers downstairs around 4:30 p.m. in preparation for three bands’ performances Friday night when they saw smoke. Snyder asked whether the smoke machine had been turned on. His employees said no and grabbed fire extinguishers. Snyder headed for the second floor, opened a door and was overcome by smoke and flames. “When I went upstairs, the smoke was like a thick fog,” he said. “And then there were flames, all of a sudden. I don’t know how it started. I can’t believe how fast it started, how quickly it spread.” Snyder’s first concern was to “make sure everyone was safe, our neighbors.” His hair singed, he dialed 911 and ran out of the building. But Sunbury Fire Chief Chad Betz, who was driving down Market Street, had already called in the blaze after noticing smoke around 4:45 p.m. “At first I didn’t think it would be this serious,” Betz said later Friday. Workers from the Central Keystone Federal Credit Union, a block away, also called 911. “We saw it when it all started,” said credit union employee Nicole Blank, of Sunbury. “We weren’t sure what it was ... just a lot of smoke, and then it began to billow out of the roof. There was smoke everywhere. Too much smoke. I was outside, and I couldn’t breathe.” Other onlookers thought they heard an explosion inside the building, but Snyder said that was possibly just the second floor collapsing. The first firefighters arrived just after 5 p.m. When the flames broke out, some shooting 35 feet into the sky, Betz called in a second alarm. A one-alarm fire is a call to the Sunbury Fire Department and to certain equipment carriers at the Northumberland Fire Company, Betz said. A second alarm requests additional assistance from neighboring fire departments. Also factoring into alarm calls is the type of equipment needed to battle a certain fire, Betz said. For example, he said he called for certain kinds of fire engines from Shamokin Dam, but didn’t want to deplete that borough’s fleet. Fire companies from as far away as Mifflinburg responded. At one point, five 100-foot-tall hook-and-ladder trucks doused the roof of the building, but wind gusts and hot spots inside the structure kept firefighters busy. The building is a total loss, said Betz, who couldn’t provide a damage estimate. “You know what hurts?” asked Snyder, of Sunbury, his face red from the cold and admittedly in shock. “The new stage, the new (public address) system, the drum kit. We were all set to open. Now, I need new drums. I watched the second floor collapse on the drums.” The fire destroyed an apartment in the building where Snyder’s son, Robert III, was living. His son was returning from a trip when the fire broke out. Snyder said he hadn’t thought about reopening. “I imagine that’s what I’ll do,” he said. “But right now, I’m still in shock.” Across the street, a maintenance worker at Scott Towers came to the high rise upon hearing about the fire from his son. “I had to shut the intakes down so the smoke wouldn’t get in,” he said after tenants complained of the smell. Two hours into the fire, Scott Towers became a haven where firemen could take a break from the frigid wind and dropping temperatures and get food. “The community came together on this,” Betz said. “People were bringing us hot coffee, things to eat.” Sunbury Mayor Jesse Woodring said Friday night he was thankful that there were no reported injuries and that he planned to revisit the fire scene just after 9 p.m. “I don’t get involved with these guys,” he said of firefighters. “They don’t need me around interfering. Thank God for these guys. I saw fire trucks from Northumberland, Shamokin Dam, all over, come in here to help. They’re all volunteer fire companies, volunteer firefighters. They literally put themselves at risk. I can’t express enough words of gratitude for them to do this, and on a volunteer basis.” Woodring said he is devastated that the Peppermint — owned by Snyder, a one-term city councilman who left office in 2005 — was destroyed by the fire that also affected adjacent businesses with smoke and water damage. “I would hope that what we ... can address (those businesses’ future) as quickly as possible, to do whatever it is to restore them and get things back as quickly as possible,” Woodring said. “Understand, it’s not going to happen overnight.” Woodring said he was not aware of any traffic or crowd control problems. “We had an excellent response from our emergency people,” Woodring said. “These guys do a fantastic job. But what it does is give us pause to realize what a wonderful group of men and women provide this service to us.” Friday’s was the largest fire in the city’s downtown in 10 years. Two firefighters were injured in a Feb. 24, 1999, blaze that destroyed Sunbury Piano & Organ Co. and the ophthalmology office of Dr. William C. LeMasters on the 400 block of Market Street. Betz was injured fighting that blaze, as was Firman Abdul. Firefighters from at least six communities responded. The Feb. 24, 1999, blaze occurred just two doors away from where another noted fire occurred 30 years ago. That fire wrecked the Rialto Theater at 445 Market St. the afternoon of Dec. 27, 1978. Fire companies that responded to Friday’s fire include East Sunbury Hose Company No. 1, Upper Augusta Fire Company, Shamokin Dam, Shamokin, Tuckahoe Fire Company of Point Township, Americus Hose Company, Northumberland Hook & Ladder, Mifflinburg, Selinsgrove and Coal Township. The blaze was contained just after 8 p.m., Betz said. “It was a battle,” Sunbury Fire Department First Assistant Dean Weirick said. “But we won.”
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To our friends and loyal
patrons, thank you for the support! Comment 2-26-09 : 10:59 PM It's almost a week after the fire and it's is still unbelievable spent the past 8 years working there in some capacity or another. When those of us inside got out back, we were all looking at it thinking "they'll get some water on it, and it'll be contained." No such luck. Within 10 minutes we realized we weren't gonna be that fortunate. The tears were hard to fight. As the week has moved on I know some of us have had some rough days. We were all there Sat. to help in any way we could, and I think just to support each other. Bob we are here to help whenever you need us! Staff, keep your heads up & remember the good times shared. Becky Comment 2-26-09 : 10:04 PM Bob, So very sorry to read about your terrible fire but glad that everyone is safe. We have many good memories of times at the The Peppermint - Friday night dinners, Chowder Challenges, retirement parties. The Peppermint was a special place. Best wishes for the future. Take care, Dave and Barb Bish, Swansboro NC Comment 2-25-09 : 6:43 PM We wish to thank our friends, family, volunteers, co-workers, places of employment, anonymous angels, the Red Cross, the Salvation Army, the Fire Departments, and the people we have never met but gave so much help with their support. The words “Thank You” do not capture the depth of gratitude we have for your kindness But from my family to yours, Thank You! Robert A. Snyder III & Family Comment 2-25-09 : 11:36 AM Wow, I can't believe this happened. I'm so sorry for you Bob, but know it is on to bigger and better things for you. I met so many people in that club that I still call friends til this day, it feels like an era is over. I'm in shock. Deepest condolensces and best wishes for the future! Candi Z Comment 2-25-09 : 5:29 AM I'm very upset and sad that the pepperment lounge was destroyed in this fire the pepperment lounge was always my favorite place i was always bragging to my friends about how great the peppermint lounge is and i turn on the news and got very upset :( Ang Comment 2-24-09 : 6:29 PM Dear bob and kim; i was so sorry to see your loss and yet so glad you were able to recover your father's ashes. matt and i had so much fun when we were doing our faux finishes in several rooms for you. like a phoenix, the peppermint will arise from the ashes, better than before. you both deserve only the best. allison and matt Comment 2-24-09 : 5:53 PM Bob, sorry to hear about the fire. Man, that sucks! I glad no one was hurt. Just wanted to say I wish you the best of luck with whatever you plan to do. Terry Selders Comment 2-24-09 : 3:25 PM Bob, I'm sorry to hear of your loss. I don't think I could ever express to you what a trip to the Sunbury did for me. A few years ago I had been to the Pepp a number of times. Quite often I had the pleasure of being served those awesome hot wings by your waitresses. This was at a difficult time in my life. Chelsea, thank you so much for being a good listener, but even more than that, a friend when I needed it. I will miss the talks we had along with your smile and laughter! I'm married with 2 girls...I truly believe it is because of you! Josh, thanks for your hopitality as well! Craig Snyder Comment 2-24-09 : 2:21 PM To the Snyder Family, the staff and patrons alike, I've been a long time patron of the Pepermint for over 12 years. I would be there EVERY saturday night, EVERY holiday celebration, dancin' & drinkin' with ALL my friends (some comin' from Williamsport, like me), EASILY spend 3 quarters of my paycheck and have a DAMN good time doin' it! Unfortunately, my DAMN debt piled up a couple years ago and I had to take care of buisness. so I stopped going to the "Pepp". Recently debt free, workin' 2 jobs and domesticated (I got a girlfriend), I recently made the decision to sneek out the followin' weekend to visit the ol' "Pepp" to see how the place & my friends were doin'. I came home from work saturday mornin', turned on the tv and there was the Peppermint Lounge, ON FIRE, on the news. I was stunned. 4 days later, I,m STILL stunned! ALL my friends in da "Port" are stunned! We're Stunned & DEPRESSED! The "Pepp" had the best staff servin' us, the best security that kept us safe and the overall experience was that of dignity, respect & fun! There was LOVE at the "Pepp"! ... If this is the "last dance", and the Peppermint Lounge is NOT rebuilt, then I would like to say, thank you for the GREAT memories. Those were some GREAT times! THANK YOU & BLESS YOU! Bigg Boom Jimmy Biggs Comment 2-24-09 : 1:03 PM Bob, Comment 2-24-09 : 10:45 AM Bob,Family and Staff You are in our thoughts...We are saddened for your loss... We have many of fond memories of the Peppermint...Best of luck for the future. Wayne and Barb Horne Comment 2-23-09 : 10:59 PM bob kim and the wonderful shelby .we are so at a loss vik and i ..anything you need ..any hugs you wish are avail.at a moments notice we love you all .vik and mace Comment 2-23-09 : 8:48 PM Bob, I just wanted to tell you how sad I am to not have experienced The Peppermint!! We were so looking forward to the Show on Saturday. We know how hard you worked to get the club ready! Please know that if you are interested BluesMoon will work on a Benefit Concert to help get The Peppermint back to reality, if that is your wish. God Bless and hope to see you soon! Trace Baker - BluesMoon Comment 2-23-09 : 8:28 PM Oh my how sad my thoughts and prayers go out to the Snyder Family. I used to hang at the Pep and dance and sing karaoke. My bf Jen and I would go every weekend, I even got engaged once at the pep. The engagement fizzled but all the fond memories remain. I hope you are able to rebuild, bigger and better than before Sunbury will never be the same without you. Nicole Dvorshak-Argendorf Comment 2-23-09 : 9:54 AM So sad about the fire..we'll all miss the Peppermint...Bob...I hope you rebuild! Carrie Comment 2-22-09 : 8:52 PM love and miss the pepp :( it was the best club in our little historical town... so sad. Tawnya Miller Comment 2-22-09 : 6:39 PM I used to DJ at the great Peppermint Lounge back in 2002 and 2003. I have some great memories of my DJing days and will miss the place. I was shocked to hear about the fire and am deeply saddened. My thoughts and prayers to the Snyder Family. Dj D-Trix Comment 2-22-09 : 5:42 PM Sorry ,about the fire Bob, I'm glad nobody got hurt, I will always remember the kick a** Harpo shows Andy Boudman Comment 2-22-09 : 4:03 PM Bob, Sorry for your loss and I'm sure you'll get through this with all the support from all who know you and what you have given over the years to the community. Also thanks for all the great drum shows & jams and for a quick rebuild. Bob & Cindy Comment 2-22-09 : 3:35 PM I still remember when the Peppermint was still a family restaurant, and my family and I would go for the all-you-can-eat spaghetti meals. Great food back then. And the Circle K club from McCann had a breakfast with Santa that I helped with, and I had a ton of fun. I hope The Peppermint is able to be rebuilt and reopened in the future. If that happens, I think the whole city will show up for the grand re-opening, haha. My thoughts are with the owners and the tenants in the apartments that have lost their homes. We're all glad there was nobody injured. Best of luck, Jen Griffiths Comment 2-22-09 : 3:12 PM I used to live upstairs in this building when Salvation army and johhnys was downstairs, I first lived in the front apartment then the side 1. 2 of my children were babys. then when it became the Peppermint I went there and enjoyed my time there as well. the place will surely be missed and I hope you rebuild, maybe not there but somewhere. I enjoyed the fact that all kinds of music was played from the 50's & 60's to the current. so sorry for your loss but I am thankfull no one was hurt, keep your head up.Linda Walker Comment 2-22-09 : 2:32 PM Bob, Richard from HARPO. I'm so sorry this has happened. Wanted you to know that If you need anything . . . give a shout! Richard Smith Comment: 2-22-09 : 3:12 AM I used to go to the peppermint all the for dancing and good food and fun and met good friends there . I feel upset about the the fire and the owners loss . i hope they can rebuild soon and quick I pray for the owner and his friends to build again hope for their future and business. Ed Kovaschetz Comment 2-21-09 : 10:47 PM Bob, You're in our prayers and hope everything turns around for the best. Just want to thank you for the GREAT Harpo New Years shows and the whole "package" deal. Fun times, great band, and cool club. Charlie Thomas Comment 2-21-09 : 5:30 PM My heart goes out to you, your family and your staff. You have so many people who are feeling this loss with you. My heart is broken. I traveled weekly to Sunbury from Harrisburg just to come there and just met an old friend on Thursday night and we talked about going "back to the Peppermint" for old times. If you open another club which I hope you do. I promise I will be there opening night to rock that dance floor and toast to new beginnings. One (garage) door closes so another can OPEN! You're in my thought during this difficult time. Kind Regards, Tina Monoski Anderson (red Mini Cooper) Comment 2-21-09 : 5:19 PM Up stairs-Where the "Dancers" danced!!! What an incredible loss this is. My thoughts and prayers to Snyder and the staff. I once brought a group girlfriends from Harrisburg to check out the club several years ago and they've been everywhere from NY to Philli! They were highly impressed and loved it there - as I knew they would. Many many good times and friends made at the Peppermint. The building may have burned but the memories are forever. You open a new club and even though I'm from the old school crowd- I will be there to break in that dance floor for you! That's a promise! Tina (Red Mini Cooper) ;) Take care, Tina Monoski Anderson Comment 2-21-09 : 2:26 PM In response everyone from Danleys Hotel, Ajs Lounge staff
on my behalf ELMER DANLEY JR are sorry too hear about the Fire. I myself
have so many great memories of the PEP.. I was thrown out time and time
again when i was a young idiot but that place was always the place too be
From my age too a lot younger and older almost everyone from here and
surrounding areas have great great memories of THE PEPPERMINT LOUNGE its
what I call a corner stone of SUNBURY. I and I'm sure everyone around
hopes you and your father considering Reopening BIGGER and BETTER than
EVER.. but if not I more than most understand our local economy AND WILL
ALWAYS AND FOREVER THE PEPPERMINT LOUNGE... best of luck getting threw all
your going threw.. Comment 2-21-09 : 1:40 PM It was a pleasure to be a part of The Peppermint for so many years. I met awesome people every week, enjoyed excellent bands, and DJed many birthday parties, wedding receptions, and dance parties at The Peppermint. My father, family and I certainly pleased that no one was hurt in the fire at our business. We will always cherish memories such as our friends Kirk and Judy who were married at the club, Mark and Rhonda who proposed on a busy Saturday night (she said yes!), and so many nights of exhilaration and fun dancing and celebrating life. Blessing all who thought of us during this painful time, Chris Snyder, DJ C
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