KIRO NEWSRADIO OPINION

‘Any red flags?’: Jake and Spike question what really happened with Cheesecake Factory fire

Apr 22, 2025, 5:00 AM

Cheesecake Factory...

The scene after a fire at the Cheesecake Factory. (Photo courtesy of the Seattle Fire Department)

(Photo courtesy of the Seattle Fire Department)

A fire broke out at the Cheesecake Factory in downtown Seattle on Saturday morning, as reported by the Seattle Fire Department. Officials said at least 17 fire department vehicles and around 100 firefighters responded before the blaze was extinguished.

However, Jake Skorheim, co-host of “The Jake and Spike Show” on KIRO Newsradio, said the fire seemed suspicious as the restaurant is set to close on May 4.

“They had a fire, it was fairly bad, but they got it taken care of. They were already closing down that location. They had announced back in March that they’re going to close that location on May 4. After 20 years on Pike Street, the closure was going to affect 119 workers, yada yada yada, and then they have a fire. Did you did that raise any alarms for you? Any red flags? Did you think anything of it?” Jake asked.

Spike on Cheesecake Factory fire: ‘Isn’t it convenient?’

Co-host of “Jake and Spike,” Spike O’Neill said he hated to admit it, but the first thought that popped into his head was: “Isn’t it convenient?”

“Are we just cynical?” Jake joked. “I had that was the first thing that I thought too. I said, ‘Wait a minute, didn’t they just announce that they were gonna close?'”

Spike continued to analyze the situation.

“When you look at all the factors involved, here’s a business that’s already announced it’s closing its doors in a pivotal downtown, primary location, and then the fire happens on a Sunday morning when there wouldn’t be very, you know, minimal occupancy; no injuries in a multiple alarm fire,” he said.

Jake added that he’s not suggesting the restaurant had anything to do with it, but both co-hosts wondered—What’s missing from the story?

Listen to “The Jake and Spike Show” weekdays from noon to 3 p.m. on KIRO Newsradio 97.3 FM. Subscribe to the podcast here.

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‘Any red flags?’: Jake and Spike question what really happened with Cheesecake Factory fire