Update: the rebuilding process is estimated to last 6-10 months, according to this interview with WCHL/Chapelboro
A group of small business leaders, local government representatives, and business support organizations including Chapel Hill Downtown Partnership, Town of Chapel Hill, and The Chamber for a Greater Chapel Hill-Carrboro, met on Sunday, July 23rd, 2023, to discuss response efforts to the fire on Saturday, July 22, in Downtown Chapel Hill that has affected several businesses in the 400 Block of West Franklin Street. The group expressed their appreciation and gratitude to the Chapel Hill and Carrboro Fire Departments and the surrounding emergency response agencies. Their immediate response and scene control prevented any public injuries and allowed for the fire to be extinguished efficiently. The following businesses have been affected by fire, smoke, or water damage: Mediterranean Deli, Bakery, and Catering, D.B Sutton, Moshi Moshi, Simply Audrey, and Tropical Smoothie.
The group held a follow-up meeting on Wednesday, July 26 to provide updates on the ongoing recovery process. The investigation into the cause of the fire is still ongoing. The impacted businesses are navigating the insurance claims, permitting, and inspections processes. Tropical Smoothie has reopened as of Wednesday, July 26. Moshi Moshi Means Hello has transferred clients to their Durham location. db sutton & company is rescheduling clients and working to find temporary space. Simply Audrey will begin to restock inventory after filing claims and receiving payouts. Mediterranean Deli will restart catering orders on Saturday, July 29 and continue to confirm and fill existing orders. The staff will also work to create a temporary eat-in space as clean-up and renovations occur in the damaged restaurant. We will stay in constant contact with these merchants and help in any way that we can.
A GoFundMe has been established and is being managed by the Mediterranean Deli Staff. The fund is prioritizing the financial support of employees.
The group asks the community to be patient as the needs of the affected business are being assessed.
We want to thank the first responders and neighboring agencies who responded to the call for their dedication and bravery. We wish a speedy recovery to the three Chapel Hill firefighters who suffered minor injuries.
Click here to read a press release from the Town of Chapel Hill.
Follow us on social media for recovery updates.
Update from db sutton & co.
The impacted businesses will need your continued support. Here are some ways to help:
-Donate to the Mediterranean Deli Employee Relief GoFundMe.
-Place a catering order. You can email catering@mediterraneandeli.com.
-Confirm an existing catering order. Call (919)967-2666 or email catering@mediterraneandeli.com with your event date.
-Shop the online collection for Simply Audrey, a boutique that operates out of db sutton & company. Owner Karen Cunningham also does personal styling! Find out more by sending her an email at hello@simplyaudrey.com.
-Purchase gift cards.
Questions can be directed to Stephanie Cobert, Director of Marketing, Chapel Hill Downtown Partnership: P: (919)928-5637 | E: stephanie@downtownchapelhill.com