Iconic beachside restaurant catches fire in Gulf Shores

A popular beach bar and grill filled with tourists in Gulf Shores was evacuated Sunday when flames took over.Bahama Bob's Beachside Cafe was packed with vacationing families who were eating dinner when smoke began filling the restaurant.Beverly Cross was inside at the time and said, "We were just eating inside at Bahama Bob's in Gulf Shores and we started smelling smoke. They started yelling 'Get out' and now it’s on fire. So sad. Everyone got out."She said once she was outside, it only took about 7 minutes before flames were shooting from the restaurant as she watched from across the street.Matt Mauller was sitting inside with his wife and young children. He told WVTM 13 it's not something he would have expected while on vacation. "We had just ordered food when we noticed smoke and in no time it was filled with smoke and the front of the building was in flames." He said, "The staff at Bahama Bob's was top notch in getting everyone out of there quickly and safely and wait staff making sure all their tables made it out as the building was on fire."No word on the extent of the damage. The cause of the fire is under investigation.Your neighborhood: Local coverage from WVTM 13