UPDATE: 8 unemployed after Italia Restaurant fire

Firemen battle the blaze on Thursday night
Firemen battle the blaze on Thursday night

Eight people are now unemployed, following a fire at the Italia Restaurant, in the vicinity of H.H.V Whitchurch & Co., on Thursday night.

Owner of the Italia Restaurant, John Foye, in a recent interview with the media, described the loss as “tremendous.”

“The loss is tremendous. I lost quite a bit of stuff in there, because a lot of the different things that we use daily, all of the plates, and a whole set of different equipment that I have there burned—microwaves, and a whole set of stuff,” he said. “But, life goes on. I just have to try my best to put it back together.”

He relayed Thursday night’s events, and stressed that it is unlikely that any of his employees was responsible for the fire.

“Basically, I was at home when I got the call that Italia was on fire, so I came across. And, coming here, I’m just seeing all the contents in there are burnt,” Foye articulated. “There are indications that the fire started from a confined area. It may be electrical—I don’t know. I really don’t know, because when we leave the restaurant, we make sure that we put everything off.”

Foye stated that while he is concerned about his customers, he is sure that “with the grace of God,” the establishment will soon reopen.

The cause of the fire is unknown at this time. No injuries were reported.

Media Personality, and Owner of the building which housed the Italia Restaurant, Angelo Allen, expressed sympathy for Foye, his family, and his employees.

“I feel very sorry for the tenant…” he remarked. “It’s a very sad situation that Mr. Foye and his family, and the several people who work with them in the restaurant, they are going to be more affected than me, as far as any direct connection with me.”

He expressed hope that Foye, who has been his tenant for over a decade, will continue conducting business in the building when it is rehabilitated.

Police have said that investigations into the matter are ongoing.

Clean-up started on Friday morning
Clean-up started on Friday morning

Italia 2

 

 

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10 Comments

  1. UDOHREADYET
    August 21, 2016

    Its an opportunity to invest in a sprinkler systems as well as video cameras.
    for any such business the fire inspector as well as the company providing business insurance should require that the business or property owner have SPRINKLER SYSTEMS as well as carbon monoxide detectors.

    Safety is not a joke nor should it be taken lightly!

  2. Margarette
    August 19, 2016

    Dear John and Avril
    I’m so sorry to hear and read this story
    It’s taken me by surprise
    Hoping that things work out for the best and your lovely business / establishment is up and running soon
    I ate there every time I come to town
    I’ll miss it in the interim

    May God’s grace guide and assist you towards the future

  3. Tell the Facts
    August 19, 2016

    So sorry about the fire, loss of your business, be it temporary, losing everything and loss of jobs.
    Investigative unit, after the cooling off process, I hope you can find the cause of the fire.
    Yes! God is good! The Manager has a positive outlook and in God. This is pleasing to him that, under the circumstances you projected your faith, hope and trust in him. At times as these our faith is tested. He does test our faith i n different ways. You are stronger for it. He will help you to rebuild, giving you the determination, patience and strength (which you already have but on a greater scope) and to get back into business.
    My prayers are with all of you. Best wishes to you, your wife, family and your employees. Good luck in rebuilding your business as soon as possible. God bless you and make you even more progressive and successful!

  4. KID ON THE BLOCK
    August 19, 2016

    Was the place insured, Angelo? Smell a rat burning!

  5. D/can to de Bone (F)
    August 19, 2016

    The fire service needs to Morden is ed. The owner should not be I the building while police investigate. The place should be secured while investiges.

    • De Londoner
      August 20, 2016

      I’m in total agreement with your statement. Also, there should be Specialist involved in the fire clean, not a lady with a broom! She’s not wearing any personal protection equipment (PPE).

  6. August 19, 2016

    I AM SO SORRY. REMAIN POSITIVE.

  7. August 19, 2016

    Sad situation in this hard economic time. Wish you luck on trying to rebuild. On a serious note,why isn’t she wearing a mask? There is something call asbestos very deadly cause some form of cancer.

    • Punjab
      August 19, 2016

      Was there asbestos in the building?

  8. ok
    August 19, 2016

    God is good; you will get back on your feet.

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