J.W. Reed’s fire appears to have been an electrical fire

CLEVELAND, Ga. – Monday afternoon Edward Ward stood and surveyed what remains of J.W. Reed’s Tavern, the business he has owned since 1994. The landmark restaurant was completely destroyed by fire Sunday morning.

Asked about rebuilding, Ward said he has not decided. “I’m 61 years old so I don’t know if that is something I want to undertake.”

Ward said his wife and another employee were in the building when the fire started. They were unaware there was a fire until someone from the hotel behind the restaurant alerted them at approximately 11 a.m.

By the time fire units from White County, the City of Cleveland and Lee Arrendale arrived, the fire was well underway.

While the fire marshal has not determined the cause of the fire, Ward said it appears to have been an electrical fire.

The landmark restaurant at the intersection of Main Street and Hwy. 75 was built in 1970 and was formerly known as Gateway.

“Pauline Gooch owned it and when I bought it, I renamed it Ma Gooch’s until five years ago when I wanted to get a liquor license,” Ward said. “That is when I renamed it JW Reed’s Tavern.”

 

 

 

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