HOLLYWOOD, Fla. – The Little Venice Pizza Restaurant in Hollywood was scorched in a fire early Thursday morning.
Sky 10 was above the scene as firefighters were spraying water on the building off Buchanan Street and North Surf Road.
At least five other businesses in the same plaza appear to have sustained at least some damage.
It doesn’t appear that anyone was inside the restaurant when the fire started since it was still closed.
“This is an emotional situation for business owners that were affected, for the property owners and everyone looking at the scene that we see in front of us,” Hollywood Mayor Josh Levy said.
“Me and my family own the place on the corner, it’s called Blue Wave Bar and Grill,” one man, identified only as Jorge, said. “We just got the news at 6:30 in the morning that the whole place was on fire.”
Authorities said the call came in shortly before 5 a.m.
I knew I was restless/disturbed/unsettled. I even cancelled 2 vip appointments on Wed bc I couldn’t sleep at all Wednesday night. The restaurant called “Little Venice” in Hollywood, Florida, right on the Broadwalk, went up in flames early this morning along with 2 other restaurants that I frequented for almost a decade. One of our Dear friends worked there as a server & manager. I would often Hostess & bus tables to help out when I would visit 2003-2015. Our friend left the restaurant for greener pastures in 2018 on Mother’s Day & the owner of the place just recently sold Little Venice to new owners back in June. A terrific family, originating from Italy ๐ฎ๐น were the original owners. I have truly a million memories from being there!! I’m heartbroken ๐that it’s gone. There were 5 restaurants total & the owner of the block of restaurants was a Dear Friend also, I often helped out in a pinch. The Russian restaurant next door had
superb dishes & live entertainment by the locals after they had a few shots of their delicious VODKA. All the northerners most came all the way from Canada ๐จ๐ฆ, NYC, every year, same crowd. Fun, generous happy go lucky group of people who became loved ones. I already missed them, now I will miss them forevermore.
Thank You Jesus for sparing the lives of all who go there to work or as patrons
#SPEECHLESS
