Photos posted mid-afternoon to Riverside Area Chamber of Commerce’s Facebook page showed black scorch marks along the upper right side of the Dollar General and debris all along its wall.
“Dollar General is completely destroyed,” the chamber said in its post. “Pita n More has extensive damage and is not sure what the future will hold. Las Margaritas Mexican Bar and Grill was very fortunate to only have smoke and water damage. We will let you know when they are able to open up for business again.”
Crews remained on scene as of 3:58 p.m. Sunday to take care of flareups if they occur, according to a dispatcher, who said he could not confirm the extent of the damage.
Pita ‘N’ More, which is located next door to Dollar General, also used the word “heartbreaking” when referring to the incident. ”Please keep us in your thoughts & prayers!!,” the restaurant’s owner wrote on Facebook. “Till we find out what will be the next step for us, (we) wish you all to be safe, take care & will keep you all posted! Hope to see you all again soon!”
Las Margaritas, which is located at 5526 Airway Road, next to Pita N More, posted on Facebook just before 9:30 a.m. Sunday, saying “It’s heartbreaking to see our restaurant get damaged. There’s been a fire going on since early this morning in the shopping plaza we’re located. Please keep us in your thoughts.”
The business confirmed in a mid-afternoon post it will be closed until further notice. “We kindly ask for your understanding and support during this difficult time,” Las Margaritas posted. “Your thoughts and prayers for our family and employees are greatly appreciated.”
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