Early riser may have saved cafe from fire devastation
Published 9:57 am Thursday, March 11, 2010
The Howard Township Fire Department responded to an electrical fire at the Rise and Shine Cafe last Tuesday. Restaurant owner Michelle Gruszynski said she hopes for it to reopen in about three weeks. (Daily Star Photo/AARON MUELLER)
By AARON MUELLER
Niles Daily Star
It was a good thing Tim Leak reported to work on time last Tuesday.
When the cook arrived at Rise and Shine Cafe at 4:45 a.m., he discovered a fire in the attic of the restaurant, located at 2616 Detroit Rd. in Niles.
The Howard Township Fire Department responded quickly and was able to save the building from being destroyed. Fire officials told owner Michelle Gruszynski if they had arrived 20 minutes later, there would be no saving the building.
“Thank God our cook gets to work extremely early,” Gruszynski said.
The fire department determined it to be an electrical fire.
The building needs a new roof and wall repairs, and damage estimates are between $30,000 and $40,000.
Gruszynski, who says she has had “tons” of concerned customers contact her, hopes for the cafe to reopen in about three weeks.
