Many small businesses in Pasadena are struggling due to the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles, but some are rebuilding while supporting their communities.
Burrito Express in Pasadena has been in business since 1978. This small restaurant survived the Eaton fire and is still open.
“When COVID-19 hit, we thought this was the worst, but no, this is completely beyond anything we’ve ever seen or experienced,” owner Deya Orozco said. he said.
Deya Orozco thanks customers as Pasadena restaurant Burrito Express reopens on January 18, 2025. (KTLA) Pasadena restaurant Burrito Express reopens on January 18, 2025 Deya Orozco thanks customers (KTLA) Pasadena’s Burrito Express is working to recover from the Eaton Fire. (KTLA)
After Orozco returned to his restaurant, he immediately reopened it and began serving meals to the community.
“We’re so grateful to be here and to be able to do this and survive and continue to work,” Orozco said. “There are people who need jobs, so I’m very happy to be able to help them.”
Just down the street from Burrito Express, Deluxe 1717 is a restaurant focused on providing free food to the community while using the space as a donation site.
Deluxe 1717 in Pasadena provided free meals to first responders and evacuees affected by the Los Angeles wildfires. The restaurant also operates as a temporary donation center. (KTLA) Deluxe 1717 owner Onir Chibas speaks to KTLA on January 18, 2025. (KTLA) Deluxe 1717 in Pasadena provided free food to first responders and evacuees affected by the LA wildfires. The restaurant also operates as a temporary donation center. (KTLA) Deluxe 1717 in Pasadena provided free food to first responders and evacuees affected by the Los Angeles wildfires. The restaurant also operates as a makeshift donation center. (KTLA) Longtime customers affected by the Eaton Fire are grateful for a safe space to enjoy a free hot meal on January 18, 2025. (KTLA)
“I think the hardest part is that so many of our friends, customers and co-workers are affected,” owner Onir Chibas said.
Many of Deluxe 1717’s customers lost everything in the wildfires. As they work to rebuild their lives, they are grateful to have a safe place to eat hot meals.
“My house was one of the ones that burned down, so there’s nothing left,” said Jill Vig, a longtime customer and Eaton fire victim. “You can tell I’m a little emotional, but this means everything. It means everything.”
Many Pasadena businesses are struggling with the economic fallout from the fires as the community works to recover and rebuild.
“Before this devastating event, everyone was in town for the Rose Parade, the hotels were full and the restaurants were busy,” said Lisa Dederian, a spokeswoman for the city of Pasadena. “With so much devastation going on, we need restaurants to get back on their feet and open.”
Mr Dederian said communities devastated by the fires were in desperate need of support from local residents.
“Our business is doing well,” she said. “Please come to Pasadena and visit our businesses often. Help these people. This is their livelihood. Help them survive. Help our employees get back to work so they can recover. Please support us.”
“We would love it if people could donate and donate,” Orozco said. “This is going to be going on for a long time, so we want to continue to feed as many people as possible.”
Small business owners struggle to recover after Eaton fire
“We don’t know what will happen [the future’s] But we’re going to expand our hours because we think the community needs it,” Chivas said.
The Disaster Loan Outreach Center for small business owners seeking assistance and resources is available at Pasadena City College’s Continuing Education Center. Click here for more information.
Additional support and resource options for residents can be found here or on the LA County Emergency Resources website.
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