On the evening of Sunday, December 15, 2024, at approximately 5:59 P.M., a fire broke out in the kitchen of Pizza Works in Hubbard, Ohio. The flames quickly spread to the roof and ventilation system, causing extensive damage to the building. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, thanks to the swift evacuation of the premises. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

The fire departments from Hubbard, Liberty Township, and Brookfield responded promptly, arriving within minutes and working tirelessly to contain the blaze. After more than two hours of intense firefighting, the fire was finally brought under control around 8:15 P.M. The intense heat and smoke caused severe damage to the kitchen, rendering it unusable. Additionally, soot and water damage affected much of the restaurant’s interior, and the roof suffered significant structural damage, necessitating extensive repairs. Initial estimates suggest that the repair costs will amount to hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Maria Rossi, the owner of Pizza Works, expressed profound relief that no one was injured, stating, “While the damage is devastating, we are incredibly grateful that everyone is safe. We are fully committed to rebuilding and reopening as soon as possible.” The State Fire Marshal’s office is conducting an investigation, focusing on a potential electrical malfunction in the kitchen’s ventilation system. In the meantime, Pizza Works employees have been temporarily laid off, with Ms. Rossi pledging to rehire them upon the restaurant’s reopening. A community GoFundMe page has been established to support the employees during this challenging time.

As of December 18, 2024, the State Fire Marshal’s office has confirmed that the preliminary investigation points to an electrical malfunction in the kitchen’s ventilation system as the likely cause of the fire. The investigation is ongoing, with fire investigators continuing to gather evidence and conduct interviews to finalize their report.

In response to the incident, Pizza Works has received an outpouring of support from the local community. Neighboring businesses and residents have rallied together to offer assistance, donations, and words of encouragement. The GoFundMe page set up for the employees has garnered significant contributions, highlighting the strong sense of community in Hubbard.

Maria Rossi has announced plans to expedite the rebuilding process, aiming to reopen Pizza Works by late spring 2025. She has engaged local contractors and architects to begin the necessary repairs and renovations as quickly as possible. Additionally, Rossi is exploring opportunities to enhance the restaurant’s safety features, including upgrading the electrical system and installing state-of-the-art fire suppression equipment to prevent future incidents.

“We are overwhelmed by the support we’ve received from the community,” Rossi said in a recent statement. “This has been a challenging time, but with the help of our friends, neighbors, and loyal customers, we are determined to come back stronger. Our priority is to ensure the safety of our staff and patrons, and we are taking every measure to prevent such an incident from happening again.”

The temporary closure of Pizza Works has also prompted local organizations to step in and offer temporary employment opportunities for the affected employees. Several local businesses have partnered with job placement services to ensure that Pizza Works staff can find interim work while the restaurant undergoes repairs.

In an effort to keep the community updated on the progress, Maria Rossi has launched a dedicated website and social media channels where she posts regular updates about the rebuilding process, timelines, and ways the community can help. This transparency has further strengthened the bond between Pizza Works and the Hubbard community, fostering a sense of unity and collective resolve.

The incident at Pizza Works serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of fire safety and preparedness. The community of Hubbard, Ohio, has demonstrated remarkable resilience and solidarity in the face of adversity, and their collective efforts will undoubtedly help Pizza Works rise from the ashes and continue to be a beloved local establishment.

As the rebuilding efforts progress, Maria Rossi and her team are also planning a grand reopening event to celebrate the resilience and unity of the community. The event will feature live music, food, and activities for families, aiming to bring everyone together in a spirit of celebration and gratitude. Rossi hopes that this event will not only mark the reopening of Pizza Works but also serve as a testament to the strength and compassion of the Hubbard community.

The support and dedication shown by the residents of Hubbard serve as an inspiration, highlighting the power of community in overcoming challenges. Through their unwavering commitment and collective efforts, Pizza Works is set to emerge stronger and better equipped to serve its loyal customers for many years to come.