Downtown’s Agave shuttered by evening fire

Firefighters have contained a blaze at downtown favorite Agave Mexican Grill and Cantina that severely damaged the restaurant’s kitchen.

Agave owner Nidal Balbeisi says the fire started shortly after 7 p.m. Thursday in a trash can near the rear entrance to the kitchen. The kitchen sustained some damage, he says. No one has been allowed back into the building yet.

“Fortunately we were able to get everybody out,” Balbeisi says. “No one was hurt."

Agave will continue to serve its food and drink menu from Trynd, Balbeisi's neighboring Italian restaurant. Weekend reservations and dinner parties at Agave can still be served next door. Call Trynd at 704-0999 to move reservations.

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written by Rinkelstein , August 18, 2011 - 08:23 pm

Karma's a mug for the Balbesi brothers.

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written by Hope , August 19, 2011 - 04:21 am

So sorry to hear about this! Glad to know no one was hurt. We'll be back as soon as you are back. God bless.

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written by CuriousJ , August 19, 2011 - 08:41 am

Can I ask what you are implying Rinkelstein?

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written by CajunGal , August 19, 2011 - 08:50 am

Hopefully it will be back up and running soon. I don't know how long I will last without my Agave margarita and queso fix. Best of luck to you guys and we hope to be back there soon!

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written by Rinkelstein , August 19, 2011 - 09:51 am

The Balbesi brothers have made a practice of pushing out competition in the Down Town area since they opened Zeus. Just ask the owners of the other Latino restuarant down town.

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written by kajunkool , August 19, 2011 - 11:14 am

Pushing out competition? Isn't that the idea when you're in business to make money? The food at Agave is delicious and the atmosphere is wonderful. I'm sorry to hear it'll be closed for a bit. Looking forward to it returning soon.

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written by Gurlimom , August 19, 2011 - 01:33 pm

I agree with you Rinkelstein, 110%!

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written by CuriousJ , August 19, 2011 - 05:42 pm

Well, Rinklestien and Gurlimom, I believe in the American dream. I think you may be fooling yourselves if you believe that they 'pushed' out the other establishments. Can't you just believe for one minute that the Balbesi brothers 'drove' them out instead, by supplying a better a product and enviroment for you to enjoy a wonderful meal? Karma is heading your way...oh wait, where's your resturants? I might drive by them as I go enjoy some fine Agave food when next they open.

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written by RKGP , August 20, 2011 - 02:33 pm

Trynd is just awful... Agave isn't so bad (La Pagua's much better... and AUTHENTIC). The Zeus line has torn its way through Laffy. But this isn't Karma; it's a kitchen fire. Heck, Wal-mart is king, right? So there's nothing wrong with imitation.

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written by Milla , August 22, 2011 - 10:55 pm

Agave's food is nit nearly as good as other Mexican joints in town. I haven't been to trend, but my Friends that have won't go back. The service is a joke and the food follows suit.

Don't trust the Balbesi brothers. These guys get physical to win competitions.

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written by D Boy , August 23, 2011 - 10:26 am

Please give specifics. Have the Balbesi's done anything underhanded to drive out competition? Unless you're going to get specific, then I'm going to have to assume that their product is better than other options. I make my restaurant decisions based on food quality and if the restaurant makes me feel like an appreciated customer.