Here's Why This Westborough Thai Spot Is Still Closed 1 Year After Devastating Fire

WESTBOROUGH, MA — One year after a four-alarm fire shut down a beloved downtown restaurant, the building is still empty.

On June 2, 2024, flames ripped through the back of the building that housed Thai Minal, a local favorite known for its flavorful dishes. While its fate remains unclear, property owner Spiro Kelly is hopeful that things will come together by the end of the year.

The building at 22 South St. included an office, a one-bedroom apartment, a two-bedroom apartment and a 4,000 square foot restaurant.

Kelly, who bought the building 24 years ago, said that the negotiation process has been slow after the fire. An insurance professional told him he could be looking at a year and a half to two years for things to be put back together.

The damage from the flames was extensive, and Kelly said that additional destruction occurred in the chaos of the night. Although no one was hurt, two people were rescued from the roof of the burning building.

Westborough fire crews ruled the cause of the fire inconclusive last year.

Now, Kelly said he is focused on rebuilding the space after negotiations are complete and hopes that the restaurant will return as well.

“They’ve been eager to get back in,” he said, speaking about Thai Minal. “It was a great success for them.”

Kelly said when it reopens, the space will be brand new.

“A fire situation, you see it on the news,” said Kelly. “But you don’t know what it takes to get it back together.”

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