STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. (PIX11) – Windows shattered all over the floor, soot-covered walls, and the smell of smoke are all still palpable at the Island coffee shop.
The popular diner on Manor Road in Staten Island was engulfed in flames on Monday evening.
George Bakratsas, the owner, has been living on Staten Island for 30 years.
“You know that my life, that’s what I do for a living all my life,” Bakratsas said, adding he can’t believe the place he worked so hard to build has been destroyed by flames. His attention quickly turned to how this loss would affect the community. “We know everybody that comes with the name and everybody they know us. It’s a family place.”
After being in business for 13 years, the island coffee shop had to close down due to the fire. Now, the community here in Staten Island is coming together to help George.
Alex Tsopanakis, a long-time diner customer, jumped into action immediately.
“As soon as I heard about it, I was like, we gotta do something. We gotta set up a GoFundMe.”He says the place is always buzzing with customers because of the great service and food George and his family provide. “Everybody loves this place, everybody is going to chip in, and we are going to get it back up and running. Love their french fries.”
Gladys Rivera Pagan lives next to the restaurant and is a frequent customer.
“This is a place where we come together to talk and share the good times and the bad times. We need his place up and running,” Pagan said.
Customers have set up a GoFundMe page to help rebuild this Staten Island gem if they wish to donate.
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