Popular northern Missouri restaurant burns down

MACON, Mo. (AP) - A popular restaurant near the north-central Missouri town of Macon has burned to the ground.

Firefighters arrived in downtown Bevier (buh-VEER') around 12:30 a.m. Thursday to find the Pear Tree Restaurant in flames. The fire spread from the multi-story restaurant to the adjacent Black Diamond Historical Society museum.

The 26-year-old restaurant was a destination dining spot for high school graduates, newlyweds, couples celebrating anniversaries and others marking important events. Located close to U.S. 36 near the intersection with U.S. 63, the Pear Tree drew customers from Columbia, more than 50 miles away, and beyond.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Upcoming Events