Birchwood Restaurant destroyed by electrical fire

By Christopher Johnson

On February 5th of this month, Farwell’s Birchwood Restaurant caught fire from what investigators determined to be electrical wiring issues. According to the Surrey Fire Department, it started in the kitchen area and billowed smoke throughout the interior. Scarring everything with soot and extreme heat.
Fire teams from four local ladders arrived at the scene at 6:15 PM. Upon arrival, flames began to rage from the building’s rooftop ventilation while the interior cooked underneath from intensifying conditions.
Sharon, a nurse who works at North Woods Nursing Center, was the first witness who noticed the unnatural amount of smoke accumulating across the street—as she left work at 6 PM. What could easily be excused for chimney fumes were much thicker, drawing her suspicion.
“It looked like a lot of smoke for a chimney”, she observed. “Then there was more smoke and more smoke, and I could tell it was going quickly. So, I called 911 when I got over there. Because I could see through a back window, there were flames.”
The Surrey fire crew arrived within twenty minutes of her phone call. Followed by Clare and others shortly after. According to fire officials, the blaze was extinguished within 30 minutes.
It required a single fire engine and three tenders to combat, with a dousing effort of three thousand gallons of water. Big thanks to the Surrey, Clare, Garfield and Harrison fire departments for their quick response.
When passing by on M-115, the building appears relatively normal on the outside.
With closer inspection, the damage becomes evident. Inside, the interior is completely ruined from smoke, fire and water damage. Ruling the building to be a total loss. However, it could have been much worse if the blaze had engulfed the exterior. Instead, it was suppressed indoors and was handled quickly and quietly.
The restaurant had been closed after business hours when the fire broke out, and no injuries were reported.
Formerly known as the Birchwood Inn until the early 2000s, the former motel identity became known in recent decades as the Birchwood Restaurant.
It was very popular for early risers, flexing a wide breakfast menu with coffee in the AM which drew regulars. While its daytime and dinner menu served burgers, fries, finger foods, shrimp baskets and many other home style items. According to several regulars, the BBQ ribs were an iconic favorite.
On social media, the reaction from the Farwell community has yielded many condolences and gestures of sadness from those who were familiar with the restaurant and its long history.
One Facebook user writes, “That was the only place that I felt the owner and his employees were like family to me! I will miss it so much”, while another says, “Awesome breakfast! And Alan always cut the crust off my toast.”
A fundraiser on hopefundme.org is active and currently raising money for the owners.
It was organized by Lacy Peterson, with help from Sarah, Rachel, and Brent. The goal is $20,000. With over $4000 already raised. The description is as follows:
“If you know Alan and Kathy Shoe, then you know about the Birchwood in Farwell, MI. Every part of Alan’s life was wrapped up in the Birchwood; it was his pride. After staying open throughout COVID, and let’s face it… times are tough in this world we live in; especially as a small business owner. Alan has put his heart and soul into this place. Asking for a little help because they have a lot ahead of them while navigating what life looks like now. Even if we can just cover them in prayers and a sense of community.”
The Birchwood Restaurant is located on the outskirts of Farwell. Across from North Woods Nursing Center, and between Carrow’s Supermarket and Rustic Hardwood Flooring.
It was the Farwell’s outermost dine-in establishment and the last opportunity to sit and eat before leaving town toward Ludington or Cadillac.