ST. LOUIS — The owners of Vin de Set, PW Pizza, and 21st Street Brewer's Bar recently announced the permanent closure of the restaurants six months after a fire that heavily damaged the Chouteau Avenue building all three were located in.

The fire began in the early morning hours of Sept. 19, 2022, and destroyed the entire rooftop deck, according to a Facebook post. 

“It was later determined, through video footage, that the fire was caused by patrons smoking in a non-smoking area who then extinguished their cigarettes in one of our hanging rooftop planters,” the Facebook post states. 

“The fire slowly spread from the planter over several hours ultimately destroying the entire deck. While the fire itself was mostly contained to the rooftop area, the water used to extinguish it severely damaged all levels of the building.”

Repairs were made to the roof, third-floor windows, and all floors and drywall below were removed. 

“After months of obtaining bids to rebuild and carry out the necessary fire remediation as well as determining the insurance loss limits, it has become clear that the funds necessary to rebuild the structure as it once was just aren't there to do so,” the Facebook post states.

Paul and Wendy Hamilton opened the doors to Vin de Set in 2006, and PW Pizza in 2011.

Their businesses, including Moulin Events, Eleven Eleven Mississippi, Hamilton's Urban Steakhouse and Winnie's Wine Bar are still open.

“Several of our team members who were displaced by the fire work at these locations and we encourage you to visit them in the near future as they would love to reconnect with all of you who have gotten to know them over the years,” the Facebook post states.

“We thank you for all your patronage and support over the years. We hope to continue to serve you in one of our other locations in the future.”