When a kitchen fire left the Midland Deli unable to open, owner Elizabeth Redon could not imagine the support she would receive from the Rye community.
On July 29, Rye firefighters responded to a report of smoke in the basement, located flames on a wall in the kitchen, and put out the fire. There were no injuries.
Still, Rendon said, “It’s been very devastating” to see her business in its current state. The deli, also known as Delicias Arellano, first opened its door six years ago, preparing classic Mexican dishes for takeout.
She was inspired to open her own business to follow in the footsteps of her mother, who had a restaurant in Port Chester. Rendon described her business serving traditional dishes to the community as “the world
to me.”
The deli also served as her only source of income. While the restaurant is insured, Rendon still hasn’t learned how much will be covered and was told reopening could take anywhere from a month to four months.
The community wanted to help. Many took to social media to share the story, including Liz Woods, who collaborated with other organizers to create a video to get the word out.
Woods, a Rye Record contributor and founder of Ryemarkable Moms, said she felt “devastated,” and hoped that by spreading the word, Delicias Arellano would get help.
“In the heart of a local neighborhood here in Rye, a lot of people eat their food and want to support them,” Woods said. “And it was so sad to see that they’re struggling suddenly, without any warning.”
In addition to telling their story, the video mentions a GoFundMe created to support Rendon and her family. With a goal of $30,000, the site currently has raised just under $25,000 in two weeks.
The Rye Fire Department’s union also pitched in, presenting the deli with a check for $1,000. Two years ago, the union created a charity organization focused on helping the community.
“It’s always a good feeling to be able to help out,” said Ricky Colasacco, the union president. But in this case, where the firefighters had extinguished the blaze, it felt especially meaningful.
“We wanted to be able to contribute somehow, to try to help them get those doors back open again, and really get them back on their feet,” Colasacco said.
Another organization focused on helping was the Cafecito Road Runners, an area running group focused on building community and supporting small businesses.
The club runs every Tuesday and Saturday and often raises money to help out. When the group’s founder, Samantha Rodriguez, learned of the fire, she knew the club needed to help.
Rodriguez explained the importance of “helping our community directly and especially in a time of need” as a Latino-oriented run club helping a Mexican-owned deli.
Rendon said the support the deli has received has “touched our hearts in so many ways.” She was stunned that she received so many calls, emails, and donations.
“My family and I are just so incredibly grateful,” she said. “At first, we were scared, not knowing what was going to come up. But we actually haven’t felt alone at all.”
The deli hopes to reopen soon.
