[Austin] The Oasis burned down

Schatten · Jun 1, 2005

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A plume of smoke rises from The Oasis Restaurant overlooking Lake Travis.

By Tony Plohetski, Anita Powell
AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF
Wednesday, June 01, 2005

The Oasis, an Austin-area landmark where patrons cheered each sunset from decks overlooking Lake Travis, was destroyed by fire early today.

Authorities said the restaurant caught fire around 4:30 a.m. and was quickly engulfed. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Fire crews from Hudson Bend and surrounding areas remained on the scene this morning trying to extinguish the last of the flames.

The fire might have been caused by a lightning strike to one of the decks, said Hudson Bend Fire Chief Bruce Watson. A line of thunderstorms swept through the Austin area early today.

"What neighbors are telling us is it was one of the decks (on fire)," Watson said. "They said it was solid red."

Roughly 40 wooden decks clung to cliffs over the lake.

Watson said no employees were at the restaurant when the fire started, and there were no injuries.

Plumes of smoke continued to billow from the charred structure nearly four hours after firefighters got the initial call at 4:36 a.m. The smoke could be seen from as far away as downtown Austin.

Owner Beau Theriot said his niece, who lives near the restaurant, heard an explosion early today and called 911. She then ran to his house about a quarter-mile from the restaurant and beat on his door until he woke up, Theriot said.

"Myself and 280 employees are devastated, to say the least," he said. "It's just a nightmare come true. It's just a heartbreaker."

Theriot estimated the restaurant sustained at least $1 million in damage. He said there is "no question" that he will rebuild.

"I've got 24 years of creation over there, and I've got to start re-creating," he said.

By 7 a.m. dozens of employees, some still in their pajamas, arrived to watch the Oasis burn and share in each other's shock and grief.

Misty Moore, who has worked there as a waitress for more than two years, said a co-worker called with the news around 5:30 a.m.

"She was freaking out, saying Oasis is burning to the ground," Moore said, tears welling in her eyes. "I'm still in shock. I'm at a loss for words."

Employees described Tuesday night as another hectic night at the close of the long Memorial Day weekend. The restaurant closed about 10 p.m. and most of the employees cleared out shortly after 11 p.m. and said they were looking forward to a much-needed day off today. (The restaurant is normally closed on Wednesdays.)

Adam Linstrom, who said he was hired as a waiter 18 months ago, had plans to go tubing on the Guadalupe River today with co-workers.

"Now, it's like we have to save our money," said Linstrom, 22.

Since Theriot opened it, the Oasis has grown considerably on its 500-acre site, adding decks, a bell tower, a wedding chapel, a banquet hall and private dining areas. The facility could hold up to 2,000 customers.

Throughout the years it became a mandatory stop for countless tourists and visitors to the Austin area. As the sun dipped behind the surrounding hills each night, employees would ring a bell as customers cheered.
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TexasMike · Jun 1, 2005

I hope it's rebuilt soon. What a loss.

jimpo1 · Jun 1, 2005

That was one of the true Austin landmarks. I've sipped many a margarita while watching the sun set at that place. That sucks.

Schatten · Jun 1, 2005

Especially being at the beginning of the summer, how long do you think it will be until it is rebuilt?

Cielo · Jun 1, 2005

What a terrible loss for Austin. I hope they can rebuild it soon.

WJHMH · Jun 1, 2005

I never heard about it until now, what a shame. I haven't been down to Austin in years. I've had numerous invites but never took anyone up one their offer. After checking out the Oasis website, I can say I missed out on one of Austins finest places to visit.

www.oasis-austin.com

TexasMike · Jun 1, 2005

The owner plans on opening back up the Starlight portion on Friday for drinks and light meals. I plan on going by for lunch to help support the 280 employees.
The owner said most of the building is OK, mostly water and smoke damage. Its the indoor/outdoor areas and most of the decks that were destroyed.

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