Forsyth Country’s BB’s Bagels GoFundMe raises $41,000 as owners hope to rebuild after massive fire

Forsyth County's BB’s Bagels burned down on Sunday evening at around 7 p.m. The business was closed at the time, and no one was injured. However, the popular Alpharetta eatery took intense damage to its structure.

Videos circulating online show the restaurant going up in flames with plumes of thick black smoke billowing through the air. Fox News has reported that the back of the building took the most hits, and in videos from the inside, the roof appears to have holes, allowing sunlight to peek through. Atlanta Eater has reported that the natural gas line made things worse.

Anna and Eddie Siino established BB’s Bagels in 2007, and in five years, BB'g Bagels had become a go-to for all locals. It has been voted as the #1 Bagel in Atlanta and One of the Top Ten Bagels in the United States.

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Here's everything we know so far as owners of BB’s Bagels rally to raise money for their structure and get their business back up and running

In the wake of the destruction, the owners of the eatery have launched a GoFundMe page to ease their financial strains, noting that this is "one of the hardest messages we’ve ever had to share—BB’s Bagels has burned down."

"For nearly two decades, BB’s has been more than just a bagel shop. It’s been a part of this community—a place where neighbors become friends, where families start their mornings, and where regulars are greeted by name. But more than anything, BB’s has been about the people—our incredible team, who show up before the sun rises to bake, cook, and serve with a smile. Now, they need your help," the page reads.

The couple also expressed their woes for their staff,

"many of whom have been with us for years. Overnight, they lost their workplace and their source of income. These are people who have worked hard every day to make BB’s feel like home, and we are determined to take care of them as we rebuild."

"Most people live paycheck to paycheck in this building, and it's going to affect a lot of homes, a lot of our families. It's devastating, there are no words," said employee Dale Cardenas.

Per Fox News, the fire claimed BB’s Bagels when they were not insured, noting that their policy had gotten canceled just a few months ago. At the time, they were still searching for a new insurer.

"The fire was worse than we thought it was," Anna Siino said."It was so much more than just a place to work, we're a family, we're a community," she added. "Reading their responses really hit us hard."

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The GoFundMe was designed to support the employees and their families, as well as to help rebuild the structure. At the time of writing, almost $45,000 has been raised, with alms coming in from well over 600 patrons. However, only 18% as been completed of the $250,000 goal.