Smithfield, N.C. — Firefighters were monitoring hot spots Sunday evening after a fire at Holt Lake Bar-B-Q and Seafood at 3506 U.S. Highway 301 South in Smithfield.

The restaurant was not open when the fire started at about 6 p.m.

The fire was contained to the kitchen and appears to have accidentally started there, Smithfield Fire Department Chief Patrick Harris said.

The restaurant first opened in 1979 and employs approximately 20 people. Harris said he hopes the restaurant can rebuild quickly.

"It's certainly a very popular business here in town. I know it will be sorely missed until they can get their business back together and get reopened," he said.

No injuries were reported from the fire.