KOKOMO (WTHR) - A Kokomo icon was destroyed by fire Thursday morning.
Firefighters fought the winds and flames for more than three hours before finally extinguishing the fire at Pastarrific restaurant.
Now, only a shell of a building is all that's left. .
As firefighters waged war on the fire, there was a flood of tears and emotions watching thirty years of good times burn down.
“Shock, devastation, I raised my children here and they've been like family,” said Amanda McKay, a Pastarrific employee.
That was one of the many things that made it so hard to watch Pastarrific Italian Restaurant burn down.
“We are fortunate to have such a great staff and that they feel as we feel… It's heart wrenching, but nobody was hurt and material things can be replaced,” said Chef Cynthia Yazdani, an owner.
And that sentiment is a source of great comfort and some pain. Chef Cynthia Yazdani is one of the restaurant owners. Her sister started the business thirty years ago. This has been a meeting place in Kokomo-for weddings, special events, holiday parties and the list goes on. Since that time, the employees have become family.
“Shocked and devastated. Like her, I raised for girls here and I don't know what to say. It's gone it feels like 17 years of our life is gone,” said Chrissy Gordon, a Pastarrific employee.
“We've been together so long and just to see this place go like this is so it's very overwhelming,” said Kirshana Tyler.
“It's hard to smile on a day like this, it's only been a few hours, but at the same time you have to focus on what's with us and what we have to do,” Chef Cynthia.
And what they plan to do is rebuild!
“We're going to come back bigger and stronger than ever,” said Jennifer Wyant, a Pastarrific employee.
“Elegance, peacefulness, beauty, wonderful food, great clientele, beautiful atmosphere and a nice place to just go out and have a nice date or relax,” said Connie Lushin-Williams.
Just of few of the words Lushin-Williams used to describe Pastarrific Italian Restaurant. She grew up in Kokomo and remembers when the restaurant first opened thirty years ago. She’s marked many special occasions at Pastarrific.
“We always have our Christmas party over here which is a beautiful place for that to come and relax. My husband and I would have dates here, our small group meets here.” Said Lushini-Williams.
That’s why it’s so hard for her to see the building burned down.
“Oh, it breaks my heart! said Lushin-Williams.
“I've cried my tears, OK I have it here come some more. Words can't describe the feelings you have from the incident. The heart of Kokomo is in the heart of everything we do at Pastarrific and it won't stop ever,” said Chef Cynthia.
No word on the cause yet. Fire investigators did say the fire started in the kitchen area.
Pastarrific did have several events booked for the coming months including several weddings in May. They're working with those brides now to make other arrangements.
