Leavenworth area diner a ‘total loss’ after weekend blaze

LEAVENWORTH, Wash. – A weekend blaze destroyed a popular restaurant on U.S. Highway 2 near Leavenworth.

The Saturday fire engulfed the 59er Diner. Deputies and troopers arrived around noon to find heavy smoke over the roadway. Fire crews from multiple agencies were called to the scene. Washington State Trooper Brian Moore said the diner was a “total loss.”

Locals say people came from all over to eat at the 50s-style restaurant.

Leavenworth resident Jill Crimmins said called it a “fixture of this community..we’ve looked at all the pictures on the wall, the jukebox, the memorabilia, all of it. It’s really sad for us.”

The owner, Joe Cannata, is vowing to rebuild and continue to restaurant’s legacy. The cause of the blaze was under investigation.