'Devastating': Alpharetta's BB's Bagels forced to close after massive fire
BB's Bagels fire brings out loving community
BB's Bagels, the beloved Forsyth County eatery, has closed its doors after a massive fire tore through its building Sunday night. The family who runs the place says their loving community showed out in full force, donating over $25,000 to a GoFundMe in less than 24 hours.
ALPHARETTA, Ga. - A popular Alpharetta eatery was heavily damaged after a fire broke out late Sunday night.
What we know:
Cellphone video captured the fierce flames and black smoke shooting up from the fire at BB’s Bagels in Alpharetta on Sunday night.
The owners of the restaurant say the back of the building was heavily damaged. Video from the inside shows the destruction. In one area, the roof has holes allowing the sun to peek inside.
Anna Siino and her husband Eddie have owned the bagel shop on McFarland Parkway for nearly two decades.
As news of the fire spread, there has been a huge outpouring of support online and on GoFundMe. Organizers raised more than $25,000 in less than 24 hours.
The Siinos say the fire hit while they were not insured. They say a few months ago, their policy was canceled when their insurer pulled out of the market, and they were still in the process of finding a new carrier. They say the money raised from the GoFundMe will go to helping rebuild and payroll.
Firefighters say the blaze was difficult to control because natural gas lines fueled the flames.
The building was empty at the time of the fire, and no injuries were reported, according to officials.
What they're saying:
"The fire was worse than we thought it was," Anna Siino said.
The fire destroyed what the couple had worked years on, but what was not destroyed was the love of their customers.
"It was so much more than just a place to work, we're a family, we're a community," Siino said. "Reading their responses really hit us hard."
Long-time employees say they are grateful for the support.
"Most people live paycheck to paycheck in this building, and it's going to affect a lot of homes, a lot of our families. It's devastating, there are no words," said employee Dale Cardenas.
Customers were devastated to hear about the fire.
"It gets packed in the morning, and they do a great business, and I hope they get back on their feet pretty soon," said Stephen Evans.
What we don't know:
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
What you can do:
A GoFundMe has been created. If you want to donate, click here.