Rachel Tucker and Chloe Sparks
1 day ago
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Investigators are trying to determine the cause of a fire that broke out at Fresh Kitchen in Tampa's SoHo neighborhood Monday morning.
The South Howard Avenue business was considered a total loss.
“I knew something was going on because I first heard the helicopter and then I heard about it on the news,” said neighbor Mike Shay.
Shay and his wife live close to Fresh Kitchen and were out walking their dog when they heard what was happening nearby.
“That's our go-to, Fresh Kitchen,” Shay said.
As Shay and his wife watched firefighters smash the windows of the popular chain's original store, they talked about how much they'll miss being able to stop by for a snack, but were glad that no one was hurt in the end.
That's thanks in part to Tampa Police officers, who first spotted the blaze in a busy area just before 5 a.m.
“If you see something, they're told to say something,” said Vivian Shedd, public information officer for Tampa Fire Rescue, “and that's exactly what they did, which allowed us to get to the scene quicker.”
Roads have been closed and surrounding shopping areas have also been affected as crews at the scene investigate what happened.
“The first thing we need to do is make sure the fire is completely out and there is no risk to other shops or apartments,” Shedd said.
Shedd is encouraging pedestrians to stay on the opposite side of Fresh Kitchen.
Code enforcement has some work to do.
“It's a shame because it's a really popular place,” Shay said. “We come here a lot and we hope it reopens.”
The restaurant first opened at its South Howard Avenue location in 2014. Currently, Fresh Kitchen has more than a dozen locations across the state.
The Fresh Kitchen owner said he was lost for words.
Some employees are hoping they can find work at another Fresh Kitchen location.
