CINCINNATI (WXIX) – The manager of a well-known East Side restaurant along the Ohio River is concerned about road closures following a fire on the Daniel Carter Beard Bridge.

Tag Gregory said some people canceled their reservations at the Montgomery Inn Boathouse on Friday, but they remained open and he hoped people would still come out and enjoy the restaurant.

“It looked like something out of the movies. It was unlike anything you’d ever seen, especially in our city of Cincinnati. It was a crazy sight, but hopefully they get in there, make it safe and get everyone back across the bridge,” Gregory said.

Gregory says he, like many people, was shocked to see flames coming from under the bridge.

He said he ran into the restaurant to see what was happening.

Gregory said thankfully the boathouse is in good shape, but they took a hit Friday night as road closures made it difficult for people to get to the restaurant.

“We prepared for a pretty good Friday yesterday, only to have about 200 of our covers canceled at the last minute or with no shows at all. “It’s a little bit devastating on Friday night,” he said.

Pete Rose Way and Riverside Drive are closed just outside the Boathouse, but Gregory says the restaurant is still accessible.

“If you go from Columbia Parkway to Bains Street, it’s one way to come from the West Side. “If you’re coming from the East Coast, Riverside Drive is still open,” he said.

Gregory says the restaurant is doing better now and GPS is redirecting customers to road closures.

Still, he says he’s concerned about the potential impact of the closures, especially with the holiday season approaching.

“That’s a big concern for us. We’re still here. We’re still arranging parties, holiday parties for everyone. Hopefully by then everyone will be adjusted and ready to come here and celebrate holiday parties with us,” Gregory said.

All but one lane of northbound I-471 is open again.

Ohio Department of Transportation officials said the southbound I-471 at the bridge crossing will remain closed until further notice.

ODOT has a feature new website for updates and urges the public to follow them social media.

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