Fire destroys new Texas Roadhouse restaurant in Belton

A fire engulfed the Texas Roadhouse restaurant in Belton on Sunday night, causing an estimated $1.5 million in damage.

The blaze started at about 11:30 and was fully involved when crews arrived, said Belton Fire Chief Norman Larkey Sr. The fire was fought from a defensive standpoint from outside the building, and the roof collapsed.

The restaurant, at 228 Peculiar Drive, was scheduled to be opened in May. The building had not yet installed fire suppression sprinklers.

Texas Roadhouse plans to rebuild. It is part of a full service, casual dining restaurant chain, specializing in seasoned and aged steaks hand-cut and cooked to order over open gas-fired grills.

The state fire marshal, the Belton fire marshal and the ATF have started an investigation.

This story was originally published March 28, 2016 at 11:02 AM with the headline "Fire destroys new Texas Roadhouse restaurant in Belton."