Business & Tech

Ferraro Family Pledges to Rebuild; Cause of Fire Remains Unknown

Many gather to look at landmark restaurant gutted by fire.

Throughout the day Thursday, Elm Street was packed with pedestrians, staring at severe damages caused by  that had engulfed  in the predawn hours.

Many talked among themselves, sharing memories of the landmark Italian restaurant, while expressing hope that the Ferraro family would rebuild. At the same time, many speculated as to the cause of the fire – a matter of utmost concern to the fire investigators who were also at the scene, including arson specialists from the state Division of Fire Safety and the Union County fire services unit, and crime-scene investigators from the Union County Sheriff’s Office. Westfield Fire Chief Dan Kelly and Deputy Fire Chief David Kelly, who briefed Mayor Andy Skibitsky on Thursday afternoon, described the presence of so many agencies as "protocol," given the size of the fire and the damage it caused.

Lina Ferraro, one of the owners of the restaurant, said that her family will review tapes from video cameras scattered around the sprawling restaurant, which dominates the corner of Elm and Quimby.

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“We’ll be looking at videos to see what caused it,” she said. “Hopefully it will be there.”

Ferraro said she and her entire family arrived at the scene after being notified of the fire, which broke out after midnight Thursday.

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“The whole thing was gone in 20 minutes, we watched the whole thing happen,” she said.  “In 20 minutes the flames were out of control. It was just gone.”

Downtown Westfield Corporation Director Sherry Cronin said that the last employees left Ferraro’s at around 11:45 p.m. Wednesday, a mere 15 minutes before flames erupted near the doorway adjacent to the pizza ovens on Elm Street. Staff at an insurance office on the second floor of the building had left the building around 11:40 p.m. on Wednesday, Cronin said. They did not report seeing any smoke

Ferraro said that she and her family remain in shock from the fire and the loss of their flagship restaurant, the cornerstone to a restaurant empire that includes  on South Elmer Street, Primavera in Stirling and Brick 67 in Summit.

Ferraro’s started as a small family owned pizzeria on Elm Street in 1969,  to include multiple dining rooms, a lounge and private party space. The most recent renovation to the store occurred several years ago and the façade was repainted only days ago, according to Cronin.

“We’re devastated, we’re thankful that nobody got hurt,” Ferraro said. “Everything can be replaced. It will be better than it’s ever been. We will completely redo it. We’re very thankful that no one got hurt. Everyone in the community has been so amazing to us. The phone calls and everybody reaching out to us. I cannot begin to thank everybody.”

Ferraro said she and other members of her family were fielding phone calls all day Thursday from residents looking to help, such as by cleaning up the ash, rubble and debris left by the fire. She said several of the callers were crying on the phone, comparing the fire to a death in the family.

Ferraro’s has developed a loyal following among residents of Westfield and many neighboring towns. Posts on Facebook and Twitter about the fire came across the social networking sites all day on Thursday, with many expressing shock. Many of those who came to the fire scene on Thursday said they came down to confirm that the fire was real.

“It’s a terrible day for downtown Westfield,” she said. “They have brought so many people to downtown Westfield. I am sure the community will support them as they rebuild and regroup.”

Cronin cited the Ferraro family’s long involvement in the community – from the 2008 Pizza Race, during which Ferraro’s provided participants shelter from the rain and free pizza, to school and charity events.

“At every fundraiser, every PTA, it was always Ferraro’s that had a presence," she said. “They have helped everybody and it’s our turn to help them.”

As the restaurant rebuilds, Ferraro said that its delivery and take-out operations will move to Ferraro’s South. Parties that have already been booked will be relocated to Ferraro's South, Brick 67 and Primavera. 

Ferraro said that her family is also trying to find temporary employment for the restaurant's staff. Cronin stated she has spoken with the managers and owners of several local restaurants who have expressed interest in hiring Ferraro’s employees.

Patch contacted several downtown restaurants on Thursday afternoon who expressed interest in hiring Ferraro’s staff to fill vacant positions. A manager with Acquaviva delle Fonte said the restaurant has three openings and that they would be interested in talking with Ferraro’s staff with experience. He said interested applicants should speak with Bekim, Mety or Stuart and mention their work at Ferraro’s.

A staffer at Jeffrey’s said the Central Avenue bistro is looking to fill two server positions. A manager at Boulevard Bistro said they are looking to fill a bus-girl position.

Skibitsky, who is a fixture at Ferraro’s outdoor dining area during summer jazz concerts, said he is confident that the family's restaurant will return and remain a defining presence downtown.

“Ferraro’s is a Westfield tradition,” he said. “They are so grateful that no one was seriously injured. They are overwhelmed by the show of support.”

Editor's Note: Liz Mitchell and Alan Neuhauser contributed to this report.


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