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Auburn restaurant owner thanks city after 16-month closure following fire
Summary
Bill Fonteiraris, co-owner of Athens Pizza and Pasta, told the Auburn City Council during public comment that his family business reopened after a 16-month closure following a fire and thanked the city, Mayor Nancy Backus, local businesses and customers for support.
Bill Fonteiraris, co-owner of Athens Pizza and Pasta in Auburn, told the council during public comment that the restaurant reopened after a 16-month closure following a fire and thanked local officials and residents for help.
Fonteiraris said Kenzan Auburn was created in April 1980 by his brother-in-law’s father and that he and his brother, Tom, have run the business since 1992. “Four years ago, we had a fire and we were closed for 16 months,” he said.
Speaking directly about the city’s role in the recovery, Fonteiraris said, “the city of Auburn stepped up a 10% to reopen again,” and offered thanks “from the city council to the mayor, Nancy Backus, the businesses of Auburn, and, of course, our beloved customers.”
He described daily operations in the restaurant, adding that they “hand cut our lettuce, none of the back stuff. Fresh every day,” and noted a family contribution to the business: “my 86 year old mother makes 90 pounds of meat work.”
These remarks were made during the meeting’s public comment period. No formal council action or vote on assistance to Athens Pizza and Pasta was recorded in the transcript provided.
