SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The community is rallying together to support Kasbah, a Middle Eastern lounge and restaurant on J Street in Sacramento that was damaged in a fire last week.
Chef and owner Tanya Azar said a fire broke out at the restaurant overnight last Tuesday after a staff member accidentally left a hot plate on.
Sacramento Fire Department confirmed the fire sparked from a stove that was accidentally left on.
"I've been here almost 18-20 years, and I don't really know how to feel yet, all the hard work, sweat and tears," Azar said. "I was sleeping at home, and I got a call from staff members that the place was on fire."
No one was injured, but the flames damaged the kitchen, their equipment and food. It also left behind ash and water damage in the front room of the restaurant.
Azar said this is not the end for Kasbah and is hoping to rebuild this Middle Eastern hub for the community.
Azar has roots in the Middle East herself and brought flavors from her family's restaurants in Palestine to the Sacramento area.
"We get people from so many different walks of life walking through this door," said Morgan Miller, head pastry chef and general manager. "It's really offered this escape to the community that I'm hopeful we can maintain."
Azar said it could take a year to rebuild, and in the meantime, her mind turns to her staff.
"I don't want to lose the staff; I don't want to put more pressure on the staff to have to find a job right now, so it would just alleviate those pressures and stresses," she said.
A GoFundMe page has been created where the community has already been showing their support. Some locals are hoping to see Kasbah make a comeback.
"Great place to stop in, get wonderful, wonderful food and drinks and they're just really kind people," said Dena Dale, who lives nearby.
As Azar figures out what's next for Kasbah, she's hoping to get back to cooking again and cater.
"Maybe a new location. I don't really know, but we all want to keep Kasbah going," Azar said.
Anyone who'd like to help the staff can click here to view the GoFundMe page.
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