Late Night Fire Torches 4 Businesses at State and Cermak

Fire damage at four businesses at Cermak and State (via Chicago Tribune)

Unfortunately it appears that another large fire has destroyed more restaurants in the South Loop.  According to the Tribune:

Tusain Collins stood outside the South Loop restaurant where he works, watching firefighters put out an extra-alarm fire that tore through his restaurant and three other businesses. 

"It's really a big disappointment this is happening at a time like this," he said. 

Collins said his stepmother, the cook for the Jamaican Jerk Villa, was inside prepping for New Year's catering orders when the fire started. He said his stepmother was not hurt but appeared in shock while she sat in an ambulance.  

"I'm happy that she's OK," he said. "We're grateful for that."  

The fire started around 2:50 a.m. in a building housing two other restaurants and a cellphone store on the northeast corner of State Street and Cermak Road, fire officials said.

In case you forgot, just a couple of weeks ago a fire badly damaged the popular Chicago Firehouse steakhouse at 14th and Michigan.

Best of luck to these businesses as they hopefully bounce back.

(Hat tip: DN & ND!)