It’s only been a few weeks since a fire nearly gutted the popular Cuzzo’s Cuisine in West Charlotte. And now the owner is campaigning for his employees who are out of work.
A passerby noticed flames billowing from Cuzzo’s Cuisine around 6:15 am on May 17. Once the Charlotte Fire Department arrived on the scene, they say about $125,000 in damages was done to the soul food restaurant.
The good news is no one was there at that time of the morning, so no injuries to report. The bad news is the restaurant will be closed until repairs are made. Fire investigators say an electrical issue caused the fire and have ruled it accidental.
Cuzzo’s Cuisine is located on Tuckaseegee Road near Glennwood Drive. Andarrio Johnson is part owner of the restaurant and is pretty disappointed in the restaurant’s demise. He’s even more disheartened that his employees will be out of work for a while. That’s why Johnson has started a GoFundMe campaign.
According to the campaign, Johnson seeks to raise funds to support his staff over the next two months. He says though they have applied for unemployment, he hopes the money the campaign raises can help his staff sustain until they are able to return to work.
The GoFundMe Campaign goal is $80,000. As of this writing, they’ve raised a little over $10,000.
Johnson and his cousin, Anglee Brown started the restaurant seven years ago after having huge success as a food truck.
In the meantime, all is not completely lost for Cuzzo’s Cuisine. Their second location, Cuzzo’s Cuisine II, continues to serve. It’s located in the University area at 9601 N. Tryon Street, Charlotte. This location offers indoor seating and later operating hours.
Cuzzo's Fire Relief For Staff https://t.co/jWhhKlxwzf
— Cuzzo's Cuisine (@CuzzosCuisine) May 18, 2023