HANOVER TWP., Pa. — Firefighters were called to a blaze at Nonna Sulina’s Sicilian Kitchen & Grill on Sunday morning.
The fire broke out at the restaurant at 5000 Bath Pike (Route 512) in Northampton County as three employees inside were doing prep work for the day, they said.
The first call came in at 9:01 a.m., according to Northampton County 911.
“This is heartbreaking,” owner Giacomo Sgroi said as dozens of firefighters worked.
He opened Nonna Sulina’s in March 2020 in a renovated building that previously held the Prince Palace Dumpling House.
No serious injuries were reported and crews from at least 10 fire departments responded to the call.
The building sustained significant damage, with a hole in the roof and windows knocked out.
Fire Chief Scott Vanwhy of the Hanover Township Volunteer Fire Company said the blaze was out by about 10:30 a.m. There was no immediate word on a cause and damage was extensive, he said.
“This is heartbreaking.”Owner Giacomo Sgroi, outside Nonna Sulina's Sicilian Kitchen & Grill
Glen Labar lives nearby and said the restaurant is like a second home. He comforted Sgroi, who was not in the building when the fire started.
“Good people,” Labar said. “The guy can cook like it’s nobody’s business.”
Workers said everyone who was inside got out safely.
A post on the restaurant's Facebook account said it would be closed until further notice.
"We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and sincerely appreciate your understanding during this time," it said. "Your continued support means the world to us, and we are committed to ensuring that we remain transparent with you and keep you in the loop."
Besides Hanover Township, other fire companies that responded included Allen Township, Bath, Bethlehem Township, Catasauqua, East Allen, Lower Nazareth, Nancy Run, Northampton and Palmer Township
