The Parthenon Supermarket on West Broadway has been badly damaged in a suspicious fire but according to CTV’s Mike Killeen, this is not the first time the business has gone up in flames. Investigators have found evidence that the overnight fire was deliberately set.
“It’s quite visible that someone came here, tried to do some damage and has done that quite successfully, unfortunately,” Sal Audia, a friend of the owners, told CTV News.
The store was surrounded by yellow police tape on Tuesday, and owner Kyriakos Katsanikakis is said to be devastated by the blaze.
“He’s quite distraught — very, very shaken — and you can appreciate that he just is at a loss for words at this point,” Audia said.
This is the second time Parthenon has been hit by fire; the store was destroyed in a blaze 12 years ago, and rebuilt at the same location. It’s unlikely that the damaged store will reopen in time for the holidays, and the arson investigation could take months.
The Parthenon Supermarket in Kitsilano burns in a 1998 fire. (CTV)
Last modified: November 23, 2010
It used to be called Greek Lightning.
That’s so sad! I love the Parthenon!
Parthenon is a neighbourhood treasure. I don’t know of anything else with the same breadth of grocery options. Fair prices, mostly helpful staff, good deli case. There will be a special place in hell for the arsonist.
We’re pretty bummed about Parthenon having another fire. We shop there almost every week! I just finished the last of the feta-stuffed olives today. I remember when they had the first fire. Didn’t they have another fire after they rebuilt the first time, making this latest incident the third fire?
It’s the third time this has happened-after the new building was put in it was torched, then redone then torched again-that was 10 or 12 years back.
It’s going to be tough for the owner to find someone to insure him this time around-premiums will be crippling even if someone does decide to take the bet.
hmmmmm 3 times at the same place? seems suspicious. I blame stuff like that on why insurance is so expensive.
Actually, when they had the fire 12 years ago, they weren’t in the same location as they are now. They were still on West Broadway, but not right next to Subway….I can’t remember if they were closer to MacDonald Street or further away. I’m getting too old to remember – lol.
Terrible. I was just thinking about popping in as I’ve driven by many times but never been inside. Hope they can recover.
Trish-they’ve been in the same place for decades-at one point they tore down their old building and put up a new one in the same place and the problems started…..
Trish you are very correct, Parthenon was at a different location on Broadway originally. I grew up in Kits, 2 houses away from General Gordon Elementary and was friends with the owners kids and Parthenon was located on Broadway and Bayswater next to the Acropol, also friends of mine. This present location on Broadway and Balaklava has been there for about 12 years give or take. I believe the first location opened in 1967 and my family has been shopping at Parthenon since 1968. Many hope I’m sure, for a speedy re-open as it had become our weekly and for some, our daily staple.
Thanks for clarifying that, Maggie! I remember when they moved next to Subway. My son was just a baby when the first fire happened (he’s turning 13 this month) – and we lived just down the street from General Gordon at the time – right at the corner of 6th and MacDonald – lived there from 1992 to 2001.
Went by yesterday (Feb 12th). Looks like they are all cleaned up and restocking the shelves. I am guessing a reopening is imminent. 🙂
I’m so glad they’re back! Parthenon, I missed you!