WASHINGTON -- The owners of a beloved Northwest, DC restaurant that caught fire on Wednesday night says they will rebuild.
Sumah’s West African Restaurant, on 7th Street near S Street Northwest in Shaw, had fire pouring out of the second story windows as fire crews raced to contain it and protect neighboring buildings. Everyone got out of the burning restaurant safely.
Owner Amara Sumah was in the restaurant’s kitchen when he started to smell smoke.
“We saw the smoke coming in the kitchen through the kitchen door,” he explained. “So we run out the back and there was fire on the roof.”
A DC Fire and EMS spokesperson said the exact cause of the fire is still under investigation, but said the fire was fueled by propane tanks on the roof.
Amara and Isata Sumah opened their restaurant more than 20 years ago. The couple immigrated to the U.S. from Sierra Leone and because of the restaurant, they were able to put their three daughters through college.
“All we did for our kids from the restaurant from working hard for them, to get a good education and good jobs for themselves,” said Sumah.
On Thursday, Sumah cleared the charred debris from the sidewalk in front of the restaurant. He was often interrupted by a friend or neighbor who stopped to hug him and say how grateful they were he and his family were OK.
“It’s like a dream to me,” he said while standing out front.
The Sumahs have poured their heart and soul into their business. He said it’s been hard to stay away on Thursday.
“Not even coming to work today is kind of depressing, really,” Sumah said.
Sumah said he has a clear message to the customers who are shocked and upset by the fire.
“I want them to know, we love them, we appreciate them and we will do everything possible for us to come back and start serving them again.”
While Sumah said the business is insured, he said his daughter will be starting an account to help raise money if people want to support the rebuild. Check this article for any updates in the future.
