Fire decimates popular Kangaroo Island restaurant

Owners of The Shy Wren in Penneshaw have been left wondering what’s next after their restaurant was gutted by an out-of-control fire which caused an estimated $1 million damage.

The fire was reported about 9.15am on Tuesday and was attended by CFS crews from Penneshaw, Kingscote, American River and Parndana.

It took 25 CFS volunteers and five fire trucks to bring the blaze under control, with no surrounding businesses affected.

the loss of her and partner Luke Davey’s business was “devastating”.

“It’s pretty much gone. It’s pretty devastating – something you put your heart and soul into to go up in flames so quickly,” The Shy Wren owner Zoe Wright said.

The cause of the fire is yet to be determined. Investigators are currently assessing the building.

“I couldn’t believe it,” Wright said.

“It’s very surreal. You think this happens to other people.”

While the business is insured, Wright and co-owner Luke Davey are yet to determine whether they will rebuild and reopen.

“What we’re seeing now is just all our hard work completely destroyed,” she said.

Wright and Davey opened the restaurant in January 2022.

Jonathan Jackson, 14^th June 2023