Flames destroy Torrington landmark restaurant Marino's

Torrington officials are investigating the cause of a fire that destroyed a landmark eatery in town Thursday morning.

Fire officials say Marino's is a total loss.

Viewer video shows heavy flames tearing through the roof of the building on Pinewood Road.

No one was inside at the time, but the owner was there before the fire started and returned to find it ablaze.

"Its a surprise for a lot of people," said Battalion Chief David Casper. "They had a function this afternoon and I know they booked a lot of holiday parties this time of year, so a lot of people will be affected by this."

The restaurant was built in 1937 and had been Marino's since the 1950s.

Charlie Heuschkel says he worked there for 17 years.

"Everybody liked it here in town. It's a shame something like this happened," he said.

Fire officials say no one was hurt. One firefighter was treated and released from the hospital.