ATLANTA — A popular Jamaican restaurant that caught fire in April has risen from the ashes and announced that it is rebuilding.
Dat Fire Jerk Chicken posted on Instagram Monday that the former location at 226 Northside Drive is returning thanks to the community's "continued outpouring of support and prayers."
The fire happened on April 20. It destroyed a large part of the building, forcing the restaurant to close its doors. Dat Fire has been on Northside Drive, just south of Mercedes-Benz Stadium, for nine years, and during that time, it has become a staple in the community.
“It was an accidental fire in our grilling area here, which obviously you can see the flame engulfed that building, and we had a little damage to the structure as well,” said Chef Jay John, the owner of Dat Fire.
The restaurant has received a lot of community support following the fire in April. Others, including Jay Bailey, the President and CEO of H.J. Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs, stepped in to pay for the first 50 meals.
"Your love and support have not only fueled our grills but have ignited our spirits," Chef Jay John with Dat Fire Jerk Chicken previously said. "Thank you, Atlanta, for showing up massively and reminding us that we are more than a restaurant—we are a family, we are a community, and we will rise again, together."
More recently, in May, world-famous South African restaurant brand Nando pledged to cover 404 meals from Dat Fire's operating food truck.