ARLINGTON, Va. — A 2-alarm fire was sparked at a Crystal City restaurant Saturday night.
Charred debris and broken glass are what’s left inside of Top Thai and the next-door Andalusia Hookah Bar and Lounge. The fire spread through the building as flames shot through the roof.
The investigation continues as to what caused the fire. Arlington Fire said it started around 10 p.m. Saturday night and that it took about two hours to knock down the flames.
“We normally close the restaurant at 9:30 p.m. We did our regulars you know, close everything up,” owner of Top Thai, Chris Hernandez, said.
Before he and his wife could get settled at home, they got a call about the blaze.
“Somebody who lives upstairs was getting ready to prepare herself to go to bed and relax. Within 10,15 minutes we received the phone call, I wasn't here at the site, and they said there was a fire at Top Thai and at Andalusia Hookah Bar,” Hernandez added.
The Hookah Bar next door was open at the time, serving customers. The owners didn’t want to go on camera but told WUSA9 it appears as though they’ve lost everything.
Fire investigators haven’t determined exactly how it started. Hernandez said his restaurant was just starting to get back on track.
“It's been very, very difficult through the pandemic. We've been struggling a lot; if it wasn't for the grants and the help the government has put out there, I think we would have closed by now,” he said.
Patrice Berrina was hoping to have lunch Sunday. She was stunned to see what happened.
“I feel it would be nice if the community could come together and help them reopen their business, even give them a temporary place until perhaps they could get their buildings fixed,” she said.
Businesses next door have minimal damage, and they’re now rallying together to support their neighbors.
“We’re much calmer now with the support of the community,” Hernandez said.
A GoFundMe is established to help employees and with the rebuilding of Top Thai restaurant: https://gofund.me/13d15bdd
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