MILWAUKEE — Glorioso’s Italian Market on Brady Street announced Friday it will close temporarily following a fire at the store.
An investigation into the fire, which started on the second floor of the building, is underway, according to the Milwaukee Fire Department.
"That's probably one of the worst phone calls to get," one of the market's new owners, Carmine Presta, told TMJ4.
Presta said the damage is mainly in a laundry room and a room that contains a server, the hub of the store's technology. The first floor is fine, but there is a lot of soot from the smoke.
"You just feel sad because us being a new owner with the Glorioso family, I know how hard they worked, as hard as we and my father work in Illinois, but you just feel sad," Presta explained.
Perishable food will have to be thrown away. The health department has been notified to inspect the business following the fire.
"My immediate reaction was to get up, take a shower and come on down here and see what I could do to help," former owner Michael Glorioso said.
The market first opened in 1946. It is a destination for local residents and visitors. Glorioso believes this the stores first significant closure due to an issue in its nearly 80 year history.
"We have always loved it. I love to take my older daughter every once in a while. My husband goes here," longtime customer Judith Callan said.
Many customers were sad to hear the news when they arrived and offered their condolences to staff.
Kim Woychik planned to make her first trip to the market for her birthday.
"I was bummed and I'm sorry for them. I'm sorry they had to go through that damage and loss," Woychik stated.
"Hopefully they can get everything squared away and back in business in no time," said Spencer Linse.
No injuries were reported. Presta ensured employees will continue to receive an income while they work to reopen.
Watch: Milwaukee firefighters extinguish fire above popular Brady Street Italian market
The cause of the fire is not known at this time. The owner says it will be a few weeks before they can reopen.
It’s about time to watch on your time. Stream local news and weather 24/7 by searching for “TMJ4” on your device.
Available for download on Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and more.
