Businesses on Moon Road in Columbus push forward after fire temporarily closes doors
Crews from a cleanup and restoration company worked in the Moon Road Plaza Wednesday afternoon as a hint of smoke lingered in the air of the two businesses still open to the public weeks after an overnight fire impacted nearby businesses.
The fire on May 11 forced businesses in the Moon Road Plaza to close their doors at least temporarily, as business owners push forward in the fire’s aftermath.
Columbus Corner Bakery, Northside Barber Shop, Wakis African and Caribbean Mart, Toasted, Unique Flowers & Gifts and Pass Insurance Agency were all affected by the fire.
It seemed to originate in the bakery, Kelly Whitehead, owner of Unique Flowers & Gifts, told the Ledger-Enquirer, and the smoke damage spread to other businesses in the plaza.
Columbus Corner Bakery closed May 11 because of extensive smoke damage, according to a post on the business’ Facebook page.
Toasted temporarily closed after the fire, but a May 21 Facebook post indicates the restaurant plans to reopen May 23.
In the meantime, the restaurant encourages customers to visit the second Toasted location in Smiths Station, which is operating under normal business hours.
“We thank you for your understanding and patience,” Toasted’s post reads. “And we can’t wait to serve you again.”
Other business updates
There is no update yet on a reopening timeline for Columbus Corner Bakery, owner Kara Morris told the Ledger-Enquirer. Morris and her husband, Phillip, took over ownership of the more than 20-year-old bakery after the former owners announced it was preparing to close.
The bakery asks customers to follow its social media pages for all updates.
“Thank you for your constant support and encouragement,” reads the bakery’s Facebook post. “Our wonderful customers and community are the reason that Columbus Corner Bakery has been a success for more than 20 years!”
Northside Barbershop posted a sign stating the shop is closed until next week. Staff at Pass Insurance Agency will be working remotely, according to a sign on their door.
Wakis African and Caribbean Mart remains open to customers, as well. Customers may also visit the owners’ restaurant, Wakis African Kitchen, on University Ave.
Unique Flowers & Gifts was able to remain open, Whitehead said, but the business has 51 boxes of damaged goods. As Servpro crews work to address the smoke damage, the florist expects the front of the shop to temporarily close for a few days so the ceiling can be gutted. But that doesn’t mean they will stop doing business.
“It will be exactly like the pandemic,” Whitehead said. “The showroom was closed, but we were still here doing all of our deliveries.”
