Fire Shuts Down Popular West Charlotte Soul Food Restaurant

It was in the early morning hours (6:15 a.m. May 17) when a passerby noticed flames billowing from the popular Charlotte restaurant Cuzzo's Cuisine. After the Charlotte Fire Department arrived on the scene, they say some $125,000 in damages was done to the popular West Charlotte eatery. Fire investigators learned an electrical issue caused the fire and ruled the blaze accidental. Cuzzo's Cuisine is located on Tuckaseegee Road near Glennwood Drive. According to WSOC, Channel 9 the staff at the restaurant went there on the day of the fire to try and salvage what they could. Andario Johnson is part owner of Cuzzo's Cuisine. He says it's a day he will never forget. Johnson says he woke up that morning and actually saw his restaurant burn on live television. At this juncture, he says he and his partner are trying to assess the damage. Johnson and his cousin, Anglee Brown started the restaurant seven years ago after having huge success as a food truck. Both are disappointed now that the west Charlotte location will have to close. They say they may return to their food truck to continue serving the community. 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. Johnson is seeking help to support the 25 employees out of work from the West Charlotte Cuzzo's Cusine. CLICK HERE to donate to the GoFundMe campaign. https://twitter.com/CharlotteFD/status/1658852018147016711