Fire.
Last night I closed the restaurant, leaving the building locked, secure and empty at 3:30 am. At 5:00 am the fire department was on site, dousing a severe blaze that has left it fairly badly damaged. It sounds like the fire started on the roof.
I know I did my job correctly. Nothing was left on in the kitchen. The dryer was turned off. Everything was safe and sound. And yet today, the couple who owns this place has seen their dream in ruins.
There will be renovations, the restaurant will open again, but some of the good people who work there won’t be able to wait until that day comes. They will move on to other opportunities, other ways to pay the bills. That makes me a little sad.
I realize it is selfish at this point, so soon after this has happened, but I can’t help wondering why Graham and I just can’t manage to get our heads above water…every time we get a step ahead, we’re shoved two steps back.
UPDATE 1: We drove past the restaurant around 2:30 today and there was still a fire truck on site. I guess they were still investigating. I cringed when we drove up…things didn’t look as bad as I expected them to. The area where the fire was is the back of the restaurant, above the washer/dryer that is there. I think it was an electrical fire, which seems to have happened up high, on the roof. We drove by again later, around 8:00 pm, and there were already restoration professionals and contractors on site, working with flashlights and hauling out generators, so it seems as though not a moment is being wasted in getting things together again. A staff party is in the works, thanks to Facebook (ironic, I know). I will just be glad to hear that it was an electrical fire that maybe had something to do with the blizzard we had yesterday, and not anyone’s fault.
UPDATE 2: The damage inside is apparently extensive. Sounds like it’s going to be a couple of months until the doors are open again. The staff is really rallying, though. Here’s an article about the fire in our local paper: Fire sweeps through Boston Pizza
Oh, Amy, I’m so sorry to hear that, but I sure am relieved that the fire didn’t start while you were still in the building and that no one was hurt.
I’m positive there’s another opportunity out there for you & Graham!
Ainse’s last blog post..A New Style
Oh Amy!!! I am so sorry!! I wish there was something I could say or do to change what’s happened.
I’m just grateful that everyone is alright (physically).
Best wishes!
sam’s last blog post..And Then I Ate Another Donut
Oh Ames, so sorry to hear that. I am glad you weren’t there and no one was hurt:( Things will get better!
Kolleen Brunton’s last blog post..The Easter Bunny Might Have a Tough Time This Year
Wow Amy that’s awful… I’m so glad the fire didn’t start a few hours earlier when you were there though!!! very close call.
Gosh.
What a thing to have happen.
I’m so sorry…I’ve been reading here, all along, about the progress at the restaurant and I can’t believe it.
I’m sending you a hug!
blackbird’s last blog post..things I am avoiding/things I’m doing
oh wow, I’m so glad you are okay and no one was hurt. my very last waitressing shift was also followed by a fire that gutted the bar where I worked. I feel you.
xo
k.
DUDE. Were the pizzas okay?
(Kidding. OMG.)
Her Bad Mother’s last blog post..Hold Me, Now
If I were the one who had closed up I’m sure I’d be second guessing myself endlessly, sleeplessly. Which would be stupid. I’m so sorry for everyone involved.
Oh no! I’m so sorry.
metro mama’s last blog post..Third Semester Blues
Just catching up when I saw this – I’m so sorry Amy. I know how it feels to feel like you can’t get ahead because it’s ALWAYS something…
Don Mills Diva’s last blog post..Tell me sweet little lies
Oh, how awful! I’m so sorry, A!
xo,
J
Oh, The Joys’s last blog post..In Fact I Hang Out with My Best Friend’s Husband
Oh, Amy! I’ve been out of the loop on your blog for a bit… I am SO sorry to hear about this!!!
I hope they get the restaurant fixed up and opened as soon as possible. I’m sure another opportunity will come along for you and Graham, but I know how it feels to have that slap in the face, as if the universe is saying, “just thought I’d see if you can deal with a little bit more…”. I’m over here rooting for you!
Mel
Oh no, Amy; I’m sorry for this. You’re right that obviously it’s a much bigger thing for the owners than for you, but you have very right to feel a little hard done by. I hope it all gets reparied sooner rather than later.
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