A mid-morning fire caused structural damage to an Ames business on Monday.

At approximately 9 a.m., a person saw smoke and a small fire showing from the overhang in the front of Carlos O’Kelley’s, 631 Lincoln Way.

Deputy Fire Chief Paul Sandoval said there was an electrical fire that was started by a neon sign.

“There was a gentleman returning a DVD at Hollywood Video and he saw smoke coming from the roof of Carlos O’Kelly’s,” Sandoval said.

Sandoval said the first responder used the OnStar system in his car to contact the fire department. Firefighters soon arrived to extinguish the fire and remove the charred wood from the overhang.

The restaurant doesn’t open until 11 a.m., but manager Stacy Dullard said a couple of employees were in the building at the time of the fire and both got out safely.

“There was no structural damage, just cosmetic,” Dullard said.

The damage is estimated at $4,000.

The restaurant couldn’t open on time because of the fire.

“We still opened shortly after noon,” Dullard said.

Because the fire was external, the restaurant will remain open as repairs continue.