MURPHYSBORO - A landmark Murphysboro bar and restaurant was gutted in a fire Friday afternoon.

Firefighters responding to an alarm just after 12:35 p.m. found heavy smoke coming from the rear of Old Rome, 803 N. Ninth Street.

Murphysboro firefighters said the building, built in 1902, appears a total loss; the department estimated damage at $100,000 or more.

Firefighters from Carbondale, Carbondale Township and De Soto also responded, providing welcome assistance on a clear day with temperatures in the middle 80s. Firefighters were on the scene for nearly five hours.

Owner Jean Tweedy said it appears the fire started in the back of the building, an area that housed freezers, coolers and an outside air conditioning unit.

Firefighters said the cause is officially undetermined, but an electrical problem is a possibility. No foul play is suspected.

The restaurant had not opened for the day, and no one was inside when the fire began. No one was injured fighting the fire.

Old Rome had been popular for decades, drawing loyal customers for burgers, wings, fried and grilled chicken and the like.

Tweedy said she doubted Old Rome would reopen.

"If we can salvage things, we will, but I don't think we'll open again," Tweedy said. "I imagine it's over."

- Mark Fitton contributed to this report.

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