ATLANTA — A beloved Atlanta restaurant that caught fire over the weekend is thanking the community for coming together and supporting them during tough times.
Dat Fire Jerk Chicken, a Jamaican restaurant on Northside Drive, caught fire Saturday morning after an accident with its grill, leaving the community staple in a pile of rubble.
Starting Tuesday, the restaurant owners put their food on wheels, breaking out their food trucks to serve the community.
RELATED: Owners of popular Jamaican restaurant say fire ripped through building after grilling accident
"Yesterday morning, we arrived early, hoping to settle in and prep before the lunch rush, only to find the parking lot already full of friends, family, media and supporters," Chef Jay John with Dat Fire Jerk Chicken said. "What a beautiful surprise!"
Along with that, Jay Bailey, the President and CEO of H.J. Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs, stepped in to pay for the first 50 meals. This pushed others to do the same, and the restaurant said it's in the process of coordinating these generous offers and will be in touch very soon.
"In the meantime, to everyone who purchased lunch, made a donation, offered a hug, or extended contacts and resources to aid our rebuilding efforts, we really cannot express how much it all means to us," John said. "Your gestures of support do not go unnoticed; neither does your patience."
The food truck said it would be on site Wednesday and Thursday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., serving a limited menu, and closed Friday through Sunday.
"Your love and support have not only fueled our grills but have ignited our spirits," John 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."
For updates on early closures and more, check out the restaurant's Instagram page.
