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No Word if Popular Spot Will Reopen
Officials: Cause of fire under investigation, but not suspicious
By Leslie Savisky
The Tube City Almanac
July 03, 2025
Posted in: McKeesport and Region News
A two-alarm fire caused heavy damage June 15 to Cal’s Cantina on Eden Park Boulevard. (Leslie Savisky photo for Tube City Almanac)
Two weeks after a devastating fire at a popular city restaurant, there is no word yet on whether it will reopen.
Cal’s Cantina on Eden Park Boulevard was damaged by a two-alarm fire in the early morning hours of June 15.
According to McKeesport fire Chief Jeff Tomovcsik, the blaze was called in at 3:21 a.m. and extinguished 44 minutes later, at 4:05 a.m. Fortunately, the building was not occupied at the time and no injuries were reported.
The fire is under investigation by the Allegheny County fire marshal’s office, said Kasey Reigner, public information officer for Allegheny County Department of Emergency Services.
The origin of the blaze has not been disclosed to the public; Tomovcsik said investigators are still examining material collected from the scene.
“At this point, there’s no suspicion of arson or anything criminal,” the fire chief said.
McKeesport firefighters were assisted by firefighters from Duquesne Annex, Glassport, Liberty Borough, Munhall No. 1, West Mifflin No. 2, White Oak No. 1 and Allegheny County Airport.
(Photo courtesy McKeesport Firefighters Union Local 10, via Facebook)
Longtime customers with fond memories of the tavern and restaurant have been wondering if it will return.
“Thirty-one years is a long time to be in business, and my heart goes out to everyone who was effected by this tragedy – the owners, the employees and everyone in the community who patronized them,” said Bethany Gerber of Irwin, who grew up in White Oak.
“I wasn’t a regular there but anytime I stopped down, it was always a good time. It was somewhere you could grab something to eat and relax with some friends, and you felt like family,” added Gerber. “I truly hope they are able to rebuild and come back better than ever.”
Cal’s Cantina has been in business since 1994, and is owned by the Calabro family. Attempts to reach the owners to publication were not successful.
(Leslie Savisky photo for Tube City Almanac)
Leslie Savisky is a freelance writer and award-winning author from Penn Township. Find out more at https://linktr.ee/lesliesavisky
Originally published July 03, 2025.
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