In the wake of a devastating fire, Bay Ridge residents are banding together to help a beloved business rebuild and reopen its doors.
Pier 69 Market, a coffee shop and breakfast grub spot, right beside the 69th Street pier, was ravaged by a large fire that broke out on April 9, just after staff members had closed up for the night.
While no one was injured during the blaze, the incident the cafe’s kitchen and storage room “severely destroyed.”
With the devastation to the business, and repair costs still being assessed, it’s not certain when the place will be able to reopen.
“The whole place was in shambles. There was a couple of feet of water in the front part of the café, and in the back, the walls were down and the ceiling was kind of ripped out. The entire kitchen was a disaster,” said Arianna Conti, a barista at Pier 69.
“We’re unsure as to how long rebuilding will take or how much it will cost,” said Arianna. “There’s a lot of work that has to be done.”
In response, Conti and her colleagues set up an online fundraiser to “save Pier 69.”
Big-hearted residents have so far donated almost $700 dollars of the $800 fundraising goal, many of whom are customers wanting to support their “home away from home.”
Arianna set up the fundraiser alongside her co-worker Andrea, having been regular patrons themselves since its opening in 2017.
“Being alumni of Xaverian High School, which is only three blocks away, we know how much current students relied on our business after hours,” Arianna wrote on the fundraising page. “It’s a place for them to unwind after a long day of studying, grab a bite to eat after school activities, and even a place to go when they need hot cocoa to put a smile on their face.”
Local Council Member Justin Brannan told Brooklyn Paper that he “wasn’t surprised to see folks looking to help get them back on their feet,” as the neighborhood is rife with a close-knit community feel.
“Bay Ridge always comes together like a small town in a big city. Pier 69 is a great little spot…that’s just what Bay Ridge does.” said Brannan. “Our small businesses have been to hell and back over the last few years. They need and deserve our support now more than ever.”
The cause of the fire remains under investigation by FDNY.
Those looking to donate to the fundraiser can do so on the GoFundMe page.
