Those who belong to the astrological Fire Sign are known to be fiercely passionate, seize opportunities, and are always up for a good time. It is with these three qualities that Brian and Lynne Barton decided to open Fire Sign Cafe in 1978. Both being fire signs themselves, they knew they could turn a lake house mall into a restaurant that Lake Tahoe residents and visitors would soon call the go-to breakfast and lunch spot on the West Shore.

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Two years later, the Bartons wanted to move the restaurant to a new location and asked their friends, Bob and Christi Young, if they wanted to become partners. The Youngs had recently sold their Pot Belly Stove business and were looking for their next business venture. Deciding to seize the opportunity, the Youngs first became partners and then bought full ownership of the restaurant four years after its inception. With full ownership, Bob and Christi began transforming Fire Sign Cafe and ran the restaurant for 40 years.

 

In 2020, The Youngs sold Fire Sign Cafe to Lake Tahoe native, Rick Brown. Mr. Brown is a long time West Shore community member, his grandparents owned the former Homewood Resort. Now in Mr. Brown's hands, Fire Sign Cafe joins together with two other sister restaurants: Chambers Landing Bar & Grill and Swiss Lakewood. Fire Sign Cafe is a tradition in Lake Tahoe and it continues to maintain its charm, delicious food, and sense of home through the years.