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Swimmer, the place wasn't fully involved when the first units arrived. It was a case of smoke coming out from under the roof. The fire started in the attic--probably electrical. It's a 70 year old building, after all. In fact, the owner and his son went upstairs with an extinguisher at first to try and put it out, which to me would seem to point away from him setting it. The owner's a 90 year old man, by the way. They failed and called 911. The fire station is at the other end of Main Street and they were there in minutes. Someone made what might have been an ill-advised decision to ventilate the roof and possibly, when oxygen hit the attic, the fire really took off. Once it hit the kitchen it just exploded.
This wasn't a case of a failing business cashing out for the insurance. The owner is determined to rebuild. This place has been in the family for 70 years. I assure you that the owner doesn't need a cash influx--it's a labor of love on his part. I had breakfast at Leo's next door this morning. There were about a dozen employees all wearing their employee T-shirts just standing around, offering support and any help they can supply. There's a fire marshall's van as obviously there has to be an investigation. But you know what's really remarkable--on the sign outside, there's a message to the public from the Cubellis family--"We'll See U Soon".
They're going to rebuild.
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