Surefire Neighborhood Market Remains Closed After Devastating Fire
Surefire Neighborhood Market, a popular hotspot in the Sunset Park Community, remained closed on Monday after a significant fire that took place over the weekend gutted much of the building. Surefire had informed followers of the unfortunate incident via a post on its Facebook page on Sunday morning, confirming that the fire broke out in the store’s kitchen after hours, causing extensive damage to the property. Luckily, no one was in the building at the time.
Impacts of the Fire
Early on Sunday, local authorities and concerned neighbors alerted Surefire about the fire on the premises. The market is usually open every day, but the kitchen area is not operational on Sundays. The staff is currently waiting for the results of an investigation from a claims adjuster. However, initial findings suggest that the blaze started in the kitchen area, as confirmed by Surefire’s CEO, Magloire Lubika, in an email statement.
Even on Monday afternoon, remnants of the fire were still evident in the small parking lot at the corner of Ogden and Friedheim roads in Sunset Park, located west of downtown. Shards of burst glass covered the storefront, an indication of the weekend’s events.
A Strong Commitment to the Community
Despite the devastating event, the CEO reassured the public that plans were underway to rebuild the market, reinforcing their commitment to serving the community. He mentioned, “While we don’t have a clear timeline for reopening the Sunset Park location, we are committed to rebuilding and making it even better to support the community’s food access needs.”
Building’s History and Future Plans
Surefire has a rich history of serving the Sunset Park community for decades, transforming from a mini mart convenience store to a health-focused neighborhood market, providing more diverse food options including packaged meals and fresh produce. Last fall, the store underwent a significant branding change, replacing its sign with a positive message mural. The store also expanded its menu, replacing personal pizzas with chicken sandwiches, and introducing a line of hot dogs that became an instant hit.
Continued Operations off-site.
Despite the closure, Surefire’s operations at the Slow Play Brewing site will continue. Surefire recently partnered with the brewery, providing their full menu as an on-site food truck. The public is encouraged to visit this location to continue supporting the neighborhood market during this rebuilding phase.
Call for Support
In their Facebook post, Surefire has requested thoughts and prayers from the community as they navigate this challenging time. For those willing to aid in the rebuilding process, Surefire’s website provides a link for donations. Regardless of the setback, the store remains resolute in its commitment to serve the neighborhood.
