CASE 2 - FIRE DAMAGED SUSHI RESTAURANT FACES LONG RECOVERY

The general manager of a popular sushi restaurant that was gutted by fire Wednesday said the extensive damage means it could be at least six months before the restaurant reopens.

“I still can’t believe it’s disappeared,” said Naoko Kokubun, general manager for Sen Zushi Japanese restaurant and sushi bar. “They said anything in the kitchen cannot be used. And all the walls, ceilings and floors have to be removed.”

Fire caused at least $300,000 damage to the Sen Zushi Japanese restaurant. The kitchen is unusable but the building is structurally sound, says the restaurant's general manager.   Photograph By ADRIAN LAM, Times Colonist.

The building is still structurally sound, she said.

Fire broke out in the kitchen of the restaurant, located at 940 Fort St., about 5 a.m. Wednesday. Firefighters had trouble reaching the kitchen and had to smash through another door.

The fire appears to have been sparked by a rice cooker left on overnight. The blaze caused at least $300,000 in damage but the building was covered by insurance.

As to how long it will take to repair the damages, “some people say six months at least, some people say a year,” Kokubun said.

“We’re just doing our best to reopen it as soon possible.”

The restaurant was decorated with expensive Japanese art, but Kokubun said much of it may be salvageable.

Kokubun said the approximately 20 staff will meet today to talk about the next steps. She said the business will understand if employees look for other jobs but that they would be welcomed back when the restaurant reopens.

The restaurant has been open since 1971. Current owner Tsutomu Kondo bought the restaurant in 2004. Sen Zushi is under the direction of chef Kozo Kawada, who in 2009 prepared an eight-course dinner for the entourage of Japanese Emperor Akihito during his visit to Victoria.

Kokubun said she’s overwhelmed by the messages of support from loyal customers and other Fort Street businesses.

“So many of them [are] saying they’re glad that no one is hurt and they are wishing that we can reopen soon,” she said. “And some business owners on Fort Street, they are willing to help us in any way.”