PITTSBURGH — Yinzers in the Burgh is boarded up after flames ripped through the Strip District business last Wednesday.
“I would have lost everything. I mean I owe everything to them,” said owner Jim Coen.
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But the owner has a message of gratitude.
“Pittsburgh Fire Department was amazing. They saved a good bit of my merchandise by how quickly they got that fire put out,” said Coen.
The fire destroyed the roof and left thousands of dollars of products unable to be sold.
“I was watching my whole life go pass by because you work your whole life for a building that you know that you want to give it your kids,” Coen said.
Coen hopes to rebuild as fast as possible, but the coronavirus pandemic is making it more difficult.
“My insurance guy they won’t even let him out so he can’t even come into the building,” Coen said.
He said it could be three months before his insurance company can inspect the building.
“Gotta get a roof put on and once the roof is put on the rest of the building will be secure and i can get somebody in there to clean it up,” Coen said.
His goal is to reopen by football season and start paying his workers again as soon as possible.
Coen said he’s hopeful, even hanging a banner outside that reads “Yinzers Strong.”
“I did it basically because I’m gonna bounce back this building is gonna be fine,” Coen said.
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