A report by Dana Eastland. As many of you have probably heard by now, last Wednesday January 28th a terrible fire destroyed a building at the corner of 22nd Street and Mission. The building had apartments on the third floor, offices on the second, and many businesses housed on the ground floor, and the repercussions have been, simply, awful. One resident of the building, Mauricio Orellana, was killed in the blaze, and dozens of long-term Mission residents were displaced by the fire. That would be tragedy enough for the community, but the businesses on the ground floor have also suffered greatly.
Mission Local, whose offices were destroyed on the second floor, has a moving tribute to Orellana, the victim of the fire, as well as a comprehensive list of charity funds and the various ways you can help. Anything you can offer helps.
As for the businesses affected, we’re hearing the most about the commissary kitchen for Wise Sons Deli, which included a bagel machine Leo Beckerman and Evan Bloom purchased and were testing out for production. The pair is quick to note that they are recovering, and many residents and businesses were more severely affected. Their 24th Street and Contemporary Jewish Museum locations are still open, and they are working hard to get their baked goods back in production. Other businesses destroyed in the fire include locally owned small businesses Antojitos Salvadorenos Aminta and La Altena.
Just yesterday we got the word that hopper favorite Los Shucos had to close as well. Owner Sofia Keck had hoped her business was safe (she’s in the adjoining building, not the one that burned) and had planned to offer her kitchen to businesses affected by the fire. However, after a walkthrough with city and insurance inspectors, it became clear that water damage had essentially destroyed the space. They are currently closed until further notice.
UPDATE: Sofia Keck wrote to let us know that while she is rebuilding her shop, she has secured space in a commercial kitchen and will be continuing her catering operation. She is also going to be donating ten percent of all proceeds from direct catering will be donated to business owners affected by the fire because she’s amazing like that. Book your catering events here and help this community rebuild.
It’s been a difficult time for businesses in this part of the Mission. Just a few months ago, a fire on Mission Street between 22nd and 23rd destroyed several buildings and businesses, and many are yet to reopen. Again, anything you can do to help the displaced residents helps, and support your local businesses by eating at them as soon as they reopen! We’ll let you know when that is, of course.
Our thoughts are with all the families and businesses affects, and our hearts go out to the family and friends of Mauricio Orellana at this time of overwhelming loss.
The fire damage at Mission Market, which housed Wise Sons commissary and many other businesses. Photo from Instagram.
