Popular Jamaican restaurant destroyed in Northside Drive fire

ATLANTA - A Caribbean cuisine favorite in Atlanta’s Castleberry Hill community went up in flames Saturday morning. 

Dat Fire Jerk Chicken on Northside Drive was burnt to a crisp after the fire officials said it started around 11:30 am. Video obtained by FOX 5 shows fire crews on the scene as smoke and flames poured from the roof of the restaurant. 

"We had a fire here in our grill area," Chef Jay John told FOX 5. "It is a tragic situation…would not wish this on anyone." 

John, a graduate of Clark Atlanta University, told FOX 5 he watched as flames turned the business he spent nine years building into charred remains. 

"Absolutely devastating…you see something that you built with your own two hands, you see a vision that you have destroyed…it’s devastating," he said. 

Hours later the grill was still smoldering and customers who stopped by were stunned to see their favorite Jamaican jerk spot reduced to ashes. 

"I was definitely shocked when I pulled up because I went through a lot of traffic to get here…I had plans to get some oxtail today so I’m kind of thrown off a little bit," Tashara Brown told FOX 5. 

Fire officials said thankfully, no one was injured. 

"My number one priority was just to get the staff and any customers you know safe," John recalled. 

The restaurant owner said while he was glad no one was injured, his business will suffer and will now be forced to close for the weekend. He told FOX 5 even still; the restaurant will rise from those ashes. 

"Like the phoenix, Dat Fire is very strong, resilient, and we will be triumphant." 

Dat Fire Jerk Chicken will re-open on Monday, operating out of its food truck and resuming its catering service with hopes the community will continue to support it. 

"We’re just asking for our customers and our community to continue to embrace us as they always have." 

Tashara Roberts is one of those customers who share Jamaican heritage. She said she believes their resilience is a testament to the culture of the country. 

"It’s the fact that they’re still thriving and willing to keep going says a lot about faith, it says a lot about them believing in their ability to bounce back," Roberts added. 

Atlanta Fire officials said the cause of the fire is under investigation. John said you can support the restaurant by following Dat Fire Jerk Chicken’s page on social media for the latest updates, events, and food truck locations.