In the dark hours before dawn on Sunday, a fire tore through Pacific Rim on Hillview Street, leaving the longtime Southside Village restaurant soaked, smoked out, and with its ceiling ripped open. Owner Veth Senenoi says the family is determined to rebuild, and neighbors have already rolled up their sleeves to clear debris. Within the first 24 hours, a mix of online donations and local contributions pushed fundraising past the six-figure mark.
Owner Rushed Back After Early-Morning Call
Senenoi told FOX 13 he closed up and left the restaurant around 9:45 p.m. Saturday night and noticed nothing out of the ordinary. He said he did not smell smoke and everything seemed fine when he locked the doors. Around 7 a.m., a friend who was cleaning nearby called to say the building was on fire, and Senenoi rushed back to find fire crews already on scene. He said the blaze appears to have started in a back office, and the fire marshal is investigating the cause.
Neighbors Mobilize To Clear Wreckage
Cleanup started almost as soon as the smoke cleared. Dozens of volunteers turned out to help, filling two 20-foot dumpsters and hauling out scorched fixtures, according to WWSB. Local groups helped organize drying equipment and debris removal, while the family met with insurance representatives and city officials to map out what comes next. WWSB also pointed readers to a GoFundMe page that organizers say will help cover the restaurant’s immediate needs.
Fundraiser Tops Six Figures
An online fundraiser has already pulled in more than $100,000 to support initial repairs and recovery, according to FOX 13. Senenoi told the station, “The plan is to build it better,” adding that he hopes to return with improvements that serve both the business and the neighborhood. For now, the family is focused on coordinating next steps with insurance adjusters and contractors.
Records And Images Show Heavy Damage
State licensing records list PACIFIC RIM RESTAURANT at the Hillview Street address as holding a current permanent food-service license, according to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. Photos distributed by the USA TODAY Network show exposed ceiling beams and widespread smoke damage inside the dining room, and a caption with those images refers to an overnight electrical fire. Officials have not yet given a timeline for repairs or for when the restaurant might reopen.
