STAMFORD – City businesses and residents have responded with support and money to help the businesses devastated by an early morning fire Friday, March 7 on Bedford Street.
The fire, which needed eight engines and three ladder trucks, was extinguished by the Stamford Fire Department with help from Greenwich and Norwalk fire departments. It destroyed Chez Vous Bistro restaurant at 188 Bedford St. and caused major damage to the Women’s Business Development Council (WBDC) offices, Whim Women’s Clothing, Atelier Valoar Couture clothing, and Deco Fine Arts and Framing, according to the fire department.
Erik Erlichson, executive chef and owner of Chez Vous Bistro, and his family started a gofundme page that has so far raised $18,208 to be used to rebuild the restaurant and make up for what insurance won’t cover.
Erlichson’s family – Selina, Julian, Janina, Shiloh and Dylan – included the following note on the gofundme page:
“We grew up in the kitchen with our dad and it’s heartbreaking to witness him experience this loss. He’s poured his heart and soul into the establishment — it’s deeply reflected in the community he and our mum have created, bringing friends and families together for the past decade. If you know our parents, you know they are extremely loving, kind, and generous, hard-working people. They put the same dedication, love and care into the restaurant as they have in raising us. We want to give them a fighting chance at rebuilding.”
Gofundme pages were also set up by Atelier Valoar Couture, Shiro Desserts, and U & I Deco Fine Arts and Framing. As of March 13, Atelier Valoar Couture raised $1,029; Shiro Desserts raised $1,803; and U&I Deco Fine Arts raised $7,455.
While Chez Vous Bistro suffered the most damage, Danillo Valoar’s Atelier Valoar’s clothing shop estimates damages of up to $500,000, including dresses, jewelry, fabrics, and other inventory Danillo has collected, according to the gofundme page.
Danillo’s insurance won’t cover even 3% of the losses, leaving him with limited financial support to rebuild. While 180 Bedford Street is temporarily closed for renovations, Atelier Valoar Couture is offering expert alterations and dressmaking services at 13 Spring St. in downtown Stamford.
The WBDC headquarters at 184 Bedford St. also suffered major fire and water damage due to the fire, according to a press release from the organization.
In a message to clients and supporters, the WBDC relayed the news of the fire and assured them the organization is still operating through its virtual setup.
“In the early hours of Friday, March 7, a fire caused significant damage to the building housing WBDC’s headquarters in Stamford,” the statement read. “While our offices and their contents were lost, we are grateful that no one was in the building at the time and that our team remains safe.
“The outpouring of support from our community has been truly heartwarming, and it has been a great source of strength to me and the entire team during this difficult time.”
The WBDC pointed to its cloud-based systems and the ability of its team to work remotely to allow the organization that supports women businesses to continue without interruption.
“As we move forward, we will continue to embody the resilience, determination, and adaptability that characterize the entrepreneurial spirit we support,” the statement read.
