A popular restaurant in Duncan has been destroyed in an early morning fire.

Flames broke out at the White Spot along the Trans-Canada Highway Friday morning, according to RCMP.

Crews arrived before 5 a.m. to heavy smoke and some flames emerging from the back kitchen area of the restaurant, said Duncan Volunteer Fire Chief Mike McKinlay.

Twenty-three firefighters were called in at one point to battle the flames.

Nobody was injured, but the structure is a complete loss and employees will be left searching for jobs.

"For us, obviously we're devastated. It's what we do every day and we're a big part of the community," said one of the restaurant's owners, Marty Goliath. "Our main concern right now is just for our staff."

He said the group would find a way to keep some 40 staff members employed while the business rebuilds.

The cause of the fire has not been determined.