Templeton Feed & Grain fire, demolition closed part of downtown. What’s open?

After a fire gutted the historic Templeton Feed & Grain building, a portion of the town’s downtown was taped off, leaving some stores and restaurants around the scene unsure of what their operations will look like in the near future.

Several of these businesses along South Main Street area have opened their doors to customers following the initial fire and demolition of the granary, while others remain closed.

After the fire ignited late on July 4, some even stayed opened even as firefighters continued to extinguish hot spots on Saturday. Many have noticed changes in foot traffic as the days go on.

Here’s who is open and who’s closed during the granary’s demolition.

Hewitt Hardware

Although its front entrance was closed Monday, Hewitt Hardware is open with an alternative entrance located at the back of the store along Fifth Street.

Elijah Hewitt, manager and son of the owner of Hewitt Hardware, said not many people know that they are open, and he believes business in the next couple weeks may be slow.

Hewitt’s main concern for his business is how soon the road closure will be lifted, which would help the flow of traffic and get his store running back to normal.

“I know some of them aren’t even able to open at all, so it’s fortunate that at least we can have a little bit of income in the meantime and our employees can come to work,” Hewitt said.

Templeton Market and Deli

Templeton Market and Deli remained open throughout the last few days following the late-night fire. Although the market has been busy, co-owner Abby Allen said the foot traffic is not unusual for them.

Allen said she had been there the night of the fire, looking after her store until around 3 a.m. the next morning to make sure it would not be damaged.

The market had played a pivotal role providing meals, drinks and snacks to the fire crew and first responders at the scene. Allen said they had even picked up the tab for a group of firefighers who were eating at In N Out in Atascadero one day.

Pig Iron Bar and Grill

The Pig Iron Bar and Grill reopened its doors on Sunday with a full patio of customers who had a front-row seat watching to see if the granary’s towers would collapse, which they did not that day.

Taylor Odenwald, Pig Iron co-owner, said they are usually busy this time of the year, but the fire and demolition had altered many people’s schedules and attitude around the town and their business has been affected by it.

Odenwald said they don’t have “money sitting in the bank” to remain slow these next few weeks.

“All we can do is try to provide an opportunity for people to get together and mourn the loss (of the granary),” Odenwald said.

Jack’s Bar and Grill BBQ

Jack’s Bar and Grill BBQ reopened on Monday, though its parking remained closed due to the demolition going one at the granary, bartender Liz Alvarez told The Tribune.

The granary is the “charm of the restaurant,” Alvarez said. Most of the pictures and decoration in the restaurant are of the landmark building, she said.

Alvarez said the restaurant is usually busy and lively around this time of year. However, since the granary fire, it is mostly quiet and empty in and around the restaurant.

“We’re being impacted more on an emotional level,” Alvarez said.

Alvarez said she has a feeling that the demolition at the granary is going to affect their business in the next couple weeks.

McPhee’s Grill

McPhee’s Grill, the popular, longtime restaurant right across from the granary, has not reopened since the fire, although it is typically closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Max McPhee, son of owner Ian McPhee, said he wanted to reopen the restaurant as soon as Friday, but their insurance company advised them to wait till next Wednesday.

He hopes the restaurant’s insurance will help cover the costs for its inability to run at the moment, including compensation for employees who have not been able to work.

This story was originally published July 8, 2025 at 5:43 PM.