The Orange County Independent News from Orange County California
Despite heroic efforts by Anaheim Firefighters, including a quick and flawless initial attack by Anaheim’s first to arrive Engine 1, the historic White House Restaurant on Anaheim Blvd. is a total loss after an early morning fire tore through landmark building.
A friend of restaurant owner Bruno Serato called him to let him know his beloved restaurant was on fire. He quickly made the drive from his home in Huntington Beach to Anaheim to find the business he poured his heart and soul into for the last 3o years still burning.
The 2 alarm fire had Firefighters from Garden Grove, the City of Orange, and Fullerton assisting Anaheim Firefighters in battling the stubborn fire. It took several hours to completely knock down the fire and douse all the hotspots.
Firefighters worked to help Mr. Serato and his family locate items in what was left of the building that held special significance to them, including a rosary given to Mr. Serato by the Pope. Mr. Serato is a well known figure in the community for not only his outstanding cuisine, but for his philanthropy which includes feeding as many as 2000 underprivileged children a day. He has also helped dozen of homeless families, and families living in motels, and even cars, find apartments of their own. He has been featured in countless news reports highlighting his tireless work to help people in need.
Friends and patrons started to arrive at sunrise to lend support and try to comfort a devastated Serato and his family. He was in tears throughout the morning as he inspected the destruction to his life’s work.
Fire Investigators are at the scene trying to determine the cause of the fire. A GoFundMe page has been set up to help Bruno continue his charitable mission and help rebuild. https://www.gofundme.com/AnaheimWhiteHouse
