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As word spread that a devastating fire had gutted Katoi on Friday morning, fans and friends in the Detroit service industry reacted to the news with a mixture of shock and sadness. Burglars broke into the restaurant in the early hours of February 17, stealing four bottles of liquor and an unknown amount of cash, according to the Detroit Free Press. The restaurant interior was then set on fire.
While the cinderblock exterior appears to have only sustained minor scorching, the roof and interior received significant fire damage. Nemo’s Bar, farther down Michigan Avenue, was also the victim of a liquor theft around 2 a.m. this morning, though it’s still unclear if the incidents are related.
Katoi had received wide acclaim since opening its doors last spring and was named a semifinalist for a James Beard Award this week. The owners have made limited statements about the fire this morning, though they did express their gratitude on social media to all the people who’ve reached out in support.
The tight-knit Detroit dining scene shared an outpouring of support for the team at Katoi throughout the morning, offering condolences and praise for the restaurant on social channels.
Our hearts hurt for our family at Katoi. We're here for you guys.
Posted by Gold Cash Gold Detroit on 17hb Februari 2017
What the hell... this is extremely saddening. Feeling for the whole Katoi squad right now. Thoughts are with you all
Posted by Chris Demuth on 17hb Februari 2017
Our thoughts go out to Katoi and all of the employees who work there. <3 https://t.co/G8TysPDsiG
— Peace Meal Kitchen (@Peace_Meal) February 17, 2017
Painful news, hoping for a speedy recovery for this beautiful place. #coconutmilkicecreamforlife
Posted by Dana Afana on Friday, February 17, 2017
Sending love to Katoi! So glad everyone is safe! @detroitfreep #Detroit #Corktown #Katoi https://t.co/2goPl606n8
— Grubbable (@EatGrubbable) February 17, 2017
Thank you to Hour Detroit Magazine for awarding Bistro 82 as its 2017 Restaurant of the Year - it’s an incredible honor...
Posted by Aaron Fenkell Belen on Friday, February 17, 2017
Prayers to my katoi fam. This is devastating.
Опубліковано Andi Salazar 17 лютого 2017 р.
My initial reaction to hearing the news about Katoi was, "What the hell is WRONG with you, Detroit?" But then I thought...
Posted by Dan Austin on 17hb Februari 2017
Sad news about #Katoi this morning. One of my favorite places to eat in #Detroit *sigh*
— Pete Kidd (@petekidd8) February 17, 2017
Some in the service industry have begun reaching out offering assistance and help finding staff members temporary work.
Katoi service industry folks- I'm so sorry to hear about that shit today. If you need work to carry you through the spring and summer and can get to Ferndale, hit me up.
Posted by Jesse Shepherd-Bates on Friday, February 17, 2017
What happened this morning at Katoi is both heart-breaking and nightmare-inducing at once. A speedy recovery to everyone...
Опубліковано Eli Boyer 17 лютого 2017 р.
I'm relieved to hear everyone is safe, heartbroken and angry toward the violence, proud of the camaraderie, and optimistic, excited, & ready to get my hands dirty for Katoi's future.
Опубліковано Matt Tulpa 17 лютого 2017 р.
A fundraiser appears to already be in the works at Atwater Brewery. Expect further updates on the recovery efforts as this story develops.
Details coming. Atwater Biergarten & Tap House Detroit will host a fundraiser for staff of Katoi next Wednesday Feb 22nd. DM me if you want to donate any time or items.
Опубліковано Julie Anna 17 лютого 2017 р.
Update, 3:15 p.m.: Restaurants and bars across the city have begun organizing fundraisers for the staff at Katoi. A benefit will be held on Saturday from 2 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at MotorCity Wine. Donations will be collected and a portion of the evening’s bar sales will be distributed to employees. A $40,000 GoFundMe has also been set up for the staff. Gold Cash Gold is hosting a fundraiser on February 20.
Sister Pie and Bon Bon Bon are also currently accepting donations for the staff and distributing postcards for those who wish to send a message to the restaurant’s employees.
• Firefighters Put Out ‘Suspicious’ Early Morning Blaze at Katoi in Corktown [ED]
• Police: Corktown's Katoi Restaurant 'Gutted' After Burglars Set Fire [Freep]
• All Disaster Report Coverage [ED]
