Video shows ferocity of fire that destroyed popular Adelaide restaurants Sunnys Shop and Rosemont Hall

Video shows the ferocity of a $1m fire that rapidly swept through two popular restaurants based in a historic Prospect building, devastating the owner and the community

The owner of two restaurants gutted by a fire that caused $1m worth of damage on Thursday morning has thanked everyone who has reached out after a blaze destroyed his business.

Sunnys Shop Asian Street Food and Mr Chan at Rosemont Hall on Prospect Rd were completely destroyed in the blaze, that began about 4.30am. The ferocity of the blaze can be scene in video taken at the scene by Prospect Mayor David O’Loughlin.

The owner of the restaurants, Aaron Ratanatray, posted on Rosemont Hall’s Instagram account, thanking MFS crews and police for their efforts.

“We are deeply saddened to advise that a fire occurred at Rosemont Hall and Sunnys Shop early this morning,” the post read.

“Thankfully, fire crews were able to attend and contain the fire promptly and no one was injured.

Owner Aaron Ratanatray at Sunnys Shop, pictured in 2018. Picture: Matt Turner

“We are still processing this unimaginable and devastating event and trying to come to terms with it.”

The staff thanked customers and friends who had reached out.

“To all of you who have sent us messages of support and extended your condolences, we are deeply touched and thank you for your thoughts and solidarity during this difficult time,” it continued.

Flames tore through the roof of the historic Rosemont Building-based eateries, before MFS crews contained the fire around 6.30am.

Fire Cause Investigators were unable to enter the building to determine the cause as it was too dangerous, police said.

MFS crews first responded to the fire about 4.30am. Picture: SA Police

Fire cause investigators are examining the scene. Picture: SA Police

The blaze cause about $1 million in damage. Picture: SA Police. Picture: 7NEWS

Little is left of the historic Rosemont Building on Prospect Rd, Prospect. Picture: Keryn Stevens

MFS crews at the burnt-out remains of the Rosemont Building on Prospect Rd, Prospect. Picture: Keryn Stevens

It took crews about two hours to get the blaze under control. Picture: Keryn Stevens

Mr O’Loughlin said he felt for the owners of the businesses.

“We’re hoping it’s a temporary loss, the family are very committed to this area,” Mr O’Loughlin said.

Prospect Mayor David O'Loughlin speaks to the media in front of the destroyed building Picture: Keryn Stevens

“They’re incredibly stressed, of course, as you would be seeing your life’s work … go up in flames.”

He said the council would offer any support it could for those affected.

Fan of the restaurant and employee of a medical clinic two doors down, Linda Huyhn, 32, said she was shocked and saddened the popular restaurants were destroyed.

“I have no words now … I’m shocked, like I really am shocked,” she said.

“I have never seen anything like this before.

She said the restaurants were popular for their Asian fusion food and she felt for the owners.

Rosemont Hall took to Instagram to advise customers about the fire at Prospect Road. Picture: Instagram

Employee of neighbouring coffee shop Cotto, Michael Picca, said he was devastated after seeing Sunnys Shop built, thriving and now destroyed, since his time working at the cafe.

“Very sad and devastating for them, knowing that I’ve been here for so long, seeing that place being built and how busy it’s got, it’s upsetting” he said.

“I’m relieved nobody was injured.”

Mr Picca said seeing a fire so close to where he works was nerve wracking.

“It’s pretty scary,” he said.

“When I turned onto Prospect Rd from Regency I saw these lights and I was just thinking ‘I hope that’s not us’.”

Prospect Rd between Kintore Ave and Pulsford Rd remains closed, and motorists are asked to find an alternate route.

A GoFundMe page was created to assist the restaurants’ owners and staff.