After big blaze, Moncton grocer aims to rebuild

The owner of Dolma Foods in Moncton, N.B. is hoping to reopen after his store was destroyed by fire earlier this week.

The blaze overnight Sunday gutted the entire building housing the store, sushi restaurant and three apartments.

Hossein Barar, the store’s owner, told CBC News that he hoped to rebuild once he had met with his insurance company.

Barar said he was touched by the outpouring of support from local residents, some of who planned to hold an event this Friday at a community centre to help Barar, his employees and the now-homeless apartment residents.

Barar opened the store on St. George Street six years ago, selling a mix of ethnic products, local fare, spices and sushi.

His store became known as a supporter of small local food makers, according to Aaron Shantz, community co-ordinator of Our Food South East New Brunswick.

“There are a lot of local producers who can attest to  being willing to give their products a shot,” Shantz told CBC.

Firefighters took hours to get the blaze under control. Due to the severity of damage, the building had to be demolished.

The blaze is under investigation but Moncton’s fire chief told Global News there was no evidence of arson.