Cranberry Cottage’s faithful customers found foam and blackened debris instead of the usually bustling restaurant on Thursday after an early morning fire gutted the building with damages estimated at $500,000.

A Wareham Fire Department press release described the restaurant as a “total loss.” The inside was destroyed, though the building is still standing. According to fire officials, the cause of the fire is listed as “accidental.”

The single-story restaurant was unoccupied when the fire was reported at 12:45 a.m. with firefighters clearing the scene at 9:26 a.m. Responders came from Onset, Marion, Rochester and Carver. The Wareham Fire Department and Wareham Police, state police and the state fire marshal also responded.

In all, 35 firefighters were at the scene along with six engines, two ladder trucks and four other fire department vehicles. The Wareham Fire Department reported that one firefighter was injured during the response. The nature of the injury is unknown at this time.

Located at 246 Marion Road, the restaurant was purchased by Chandara Chuon and his wife, Sophea, in early May from former owner John Coneeny who retired. The couple moved to Buzzards Bay from Lowell to operate the restaurant.

"It's very unfortunate, but at least no one got hurt," Chuon said. He said the restaurant will need to be demolished and then rebuilt.

"It's going to take a while," Chuon said. He thanked his customers for their patience and the support they have given him.

Many early risers were saddened to see the nearly 70-year old restaurant destroyed. It first opened in 1950 as Muriel’s Snack Shack. One group, who call themselves the ROMEOs – Retired Old Men Eating Out – had been eating at Cranberry Cottage for decades.

“They always had good food and good service,” said Paul Girard, one of the ROMEOs. “It was pretty sad this morning.”

Girard said he was looking forward to his usual, an egg, bacon and cheese sandwich on an English muffin.

Gary Pittsley, another member of the ROMEOs, said he went to Cranberry Cottage almost every day. The group convened at Mill Pond Diner Thursday morning and reminisced about their years dining at Cranberry Cottage.

“They take really good care of us,” said Mike Franciose.