University of Virginia Library

Owns Virginian

Mr. Kessler also owns the Virginian
and Lupo's restaurants.

He had made a routine check
of the Cavalier around 8 yesterday
morning, according to an employee,
and noticed nothing unusual.
He then left.

Bystanders reported the midmorning
fire after they saw smoke
coming from the building.

Since the building was empty,
there were no injuries, except for
a minor cut sustained by a fireman.