Popular Soul Food Restaurant Damage in Fire
(Memphis) For the first time in 28 years, Melanie’s Soul Food Restaurant in North Memphis on North Watkins will be closed Mother’s Day.
This morning, the business was damaged when fire ripped through the shopping center where it is located.
Memphis firefighters were called to the building around 2:20 Friday morning.
Witnesses reported heavy flames coming from the building.
According to MFD, the fire began in one of the businesses in the strip mall when a gas line ruptured.
The business where the fire started, S&G Best For Less furniture store, is on the opposite end of the strip mall as Melanie’s.
S&G, along with two other businesses in the strip mall will have to be torn down.
Currently, Jimmie Leach, owner and operator of Melanie’s Soul Food thinks there is only smoke and water damage inside the business.
But she hasn’t been able to look inside.
Jimmie owns and operates the business with her husband and five children.
They are hoping to re-open, “A little sad. I’m going to miss my customers. It will be okay.”
“They did a great job I think there was a fire wall that separates the three buildings and that was a blessing for Melanie’s,” said Michael Leach, one of Jimmie’s children.
