LINCOLN SQUARE — Borelli's pizza is temporarily closed following a weekend fire that could have been worse if not for the actions of a Good Samaritan.
On Sunday, a passing motorist saw flames emerging from the storefront at 2124 W. Lawrence Ave. and quickly called 911.
By the time owner Mark Borelli arrived on the scene, the fire was out. It had been contained to the kitchen, Borelli told DNAinfo.
"It appears it was just a hot oven and an old wall behind it — some form of spontaneous combustion," Borelli said.
The fire sparked shortly before the restaurant's 3 p.m. opening. No customers were present, none of the three employees on site were injured and there are no other tenants in the building, he said.
A boarded up window, charred brick and a lingering smell of smoke were evident from the sidewalk Monday morning, but otherwise, the restaurant suffered "minimal, minimal damage," Borelli said.
In terms of when the pizza joint will reopen, Borelli said he needs to begin the insurance process and then work with the city in terms of whatever permits and inspections are required following a fire.
"I don't know yet, it's all kind of sinking in," he said.
Borelli purchased the building six years ago, but the location has a long history as a pizza place, having formerly housed a Giordano's and a Stefano's, he said.
Keep an eye on social media for word of when Borelli's is back in business, he said.
Charred brick is evident from the sidewalk. [DNAinfo/Patty Wetli]
What's left of a kitchen wall that caught fire at Borelli's. [DNAinfo/Patty Wetli]
