News Summary
Rocco’s Smokehouse Grill in Williamsburg, VA, faces a temporary closure following an electrical fire on August 12, disrupting operations for several months. Thankfully, no injuries were reported, and the team is committed to maintaining customer connections through off-site catering services during repairs. The restaurant, beloved in the community since 2011, emphasizes safety and resilience as it navigates this setback.
Williamsburg, VA
Rocco’s Smokehouse Grill will be closed for several months due to fire damage resulting from an electrical fire that occurred early on the morning of August 12, 2025. The fire was reported by an employee who safely exited the building before emergency services arrived.
The fire started around 7:15 a.m., while the restaurant, located at 207 Bypass Road near Williamsburg, was closed to customers and had no other employees present. Firefighters from the York County Department of Fire and Life Safety, assisted by the City of Williamsburg Fire Department, quickly responded to the scene after smoke was observed emanating from the back of the restaurant. Firefighters managed to locate the source of the fire behind the restaurant’s beer coolers and extinguished it without causing further damage. Fortunately, no injuries were reported during the incident.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but initial findings suggest that it was electrical in nature. Co-owner Rocco Colafrancesco expressed gratitude that no one was harmed, emphasizing a commitment to safety during the recovery process.
Despite the extensive repairs ahead, Rocco’s Smokehouse Grill will continue to operate off-site catering services for the time being. Plans are underway for outdoor barbecues to be held on weekends once power is restored to the facility. This allows the restaurant to maintain connections with its loyal customers during the closure.
Rocco’s Smokehouse Grill has been a beloved part of the Williamsburg community since its inception as Mirabella’s Italian Grille in the early 2000s. The establishment transitioned to its current name in 2011. The restaurant is known for its casual dining and hearty smokehouse fare, garnering a loyal following among locals and visitors alike.
Co-owner Victor Minichiello has a long history in the restaurant business, having previously faced the challenges of rebuilding after a restaurant fire in 2009. This past experience may contribute to the resilience and determination of the team at Rocco’s as they navigate this latest setback.
The local community has shown strong support for Rocco’s Smokehouse Grill, with many residents sharing messages on social media expressing their concern and encouragement as the restaurant begins its recovery process. The Williamsburg Area Restaurant Association is also committed to providing support to Rocco and his team during this challenging time.
The emotional connection to the restaurant runs deep within its patrons, as exemplified by Colafrancesco’s granddaughter, who expressed concern for the popular corn muffins served at Rocco’s. Such sentiments highlight the fondness the community has for this establishment and the meaningful role it plays in their lives.
As the investigation into the cause of the fire continues and repairs commence, Rocco’s team remains focused on returning to full operational status while ensuring the safety of both employees and customers. The restaurant’s commitment to serving its community will remain steadfast, with their catering services allowing them to stay engaged even while the physical restaurant undergoes repairs.
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Rocco’s Smokehouse Grill Closes Indefinitely After Fire
Additional Resources
- 13 News Now
- Wavy
- WY Daily
- Daily Press
- Daily Press – Rocco’s Smokehouse Grill Update
- Wikipedia: Fire Safety
- Google Search: Rocco’s Smokehouse Grill fire
- Google Scholar: Restaurant Fire Safety
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Fire
- Google News: Rocco’s Smokehouse Grill
Author: STAFF HERE WILLIAMSBURG WRITER
WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER The WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWilliamsburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Williamsburg, James City County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Williamsburg Farmers Market, Yorktown Market Days, and Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce and Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, plus leading businesses in education and hospitality that power the local economy such as College of William & Mary, The Williamsburg Winery, and Sodexo. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREVirginiaBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Virginia's dynamic landscape.
