STAMFORD – The Chez Vous Bistro on Bedford Street went up in flames early Friday morning and was put out by the Stamford Fire Department in about two hours, the department reported.
Two firefighters suffered minor injuries and were treated and released from a medical evaluation.
Owners of Chez Vous Bistro posted on Facebook that the restaurant will be closed indefinitely, but they plan to rebuild.
“Shell-shocked and devastated,” the post said. “We woke up early this morning to the awful news. We will be closed indefinitely, BUT we will REBUILD. We have poured our hearts and souls into creating Chez Vous, a gathering place for our friends, family and community. We hold too many happy memories of our incredible patrons (with most of them becoming like family to us) to throw in the towel.”
They thanked Stamford Police and Fire departments as well as the Greenwich Fire Department for their work in putting the fire out and maintaining control. “And a big ‘Thank you’ to #HopAndVine (who allowed us to use their facilities to recover), #mayorcarolinesimmons (and her staff who came to check on us and offer their support), Giovanni of #Capriccio for comforting us with his lovely coffee.. to everyone else who came this morning to personally offer their help,” they added
Eight engines and three ladder trucks responded to the fire at 188 Bedford St. at 4:50 a.m. where some of the 52 firefighters and emergency personnel discovered smoke coming from the first floor of Chez Vous Bistro Restaurant. The 60-foot by 80-foott, two-story commercial building also houses Whim Womens Clothing (168 Bedford St., 1st floor); Atelier Valoar Couture clothing (180 Bedford St., 1st floor); Women’s Business Development Council (184 Bedford St., 2nd floor); and Deco Fine Arts and Framing (33 Spring Street, 1st floor).
Fire crews pushed hose lines into the rear of the restaurant, where a large amount of the fire was found in the walls and ceiling of that location eventually extending to the second floor and roof, as well as the other first floor storefronts.
Utilities were shut to the building by Eversource Gas and Electric, and Aquarion Water, according to Stamford Fire Department.
Stamford Volunteer Fire Companies backfilled their stations and mutual aid for Stamford City coverage was provided by Norwalk and Greenwich fire departments.
Stamford Police Department closed Bedford Street at Broad Street until approximately 10 a.m.
The fire was declared under control at 6:51 a.m. and is now being investigated for cause and origin by the Stamford Fire Marshal’s Office.
