The Jersey Shore, beloved getaway for generations, has lost an iconic restaurant in Sea Isle City: Casa Taco — an institution that has drawn visitors to the community’s iconic boardwalk and Fish Alley section of town — was ravaged by a fire that gutted its roof which later collapsed.

Fire departments from Sea Isle City, as well as neighboring communities Avalon, Marmora, Ocean City, Ocean View and Strathmere, responded to the scene, and the fire was under control within an hour, according to officials as first reported by NJ.com.

No injuries were reported, but Casa Taco sustained extensive damage. A connected restaurant, Casino Pizza, was also damaged in the fire. Officials said both restaurants were the only two businesses in the commercial building at 4210 Park Road.

“We’re heartbroken to share that Casa Taco was engulfed in flames, and the roof collapsed in,” HiYT Development posted on social media on behalf of the restaurant’s owner, Victor Loaeza. 

“The most important thing is that everyone is safe,” Loaeza said in the post. “We can’t thank our fire departments and emergency personnel enough for their quick response and bravery. We’ll keep you updated as we move forward.”

The Sea Isle City Police Department, along with the Cape May County and state fire marshals, is investigating. No injuries were reported.

The roof of the popular Jersey Shore Mexican restaurant Casa Taco went up in flames earlier this month. The beloved eatery in Sea Isle City, N.J., had been a local staple. At left: Google Maps image circa 2021; at right: firefighters working to extinguish the flames (photo by Mark Brabowski, courtesy of Facebook, taken on August 14, 2024).