Owners to reopen damaged businesses

Two Vestavia businesses destroyed by a fire in April are working to rebuild. Inspections are still ongoing, and the cause of the fire has yet to be determined, as of press time. The building did not have sprinklers, as it was built before those were required. 

Ichiban Japanese Steakhouse and Pure Fitness were in the Old Towne Shopping Center off U.S. 31. While Ichiban had been there for more than 25 years, Pure Fitness was just getting started. Both businesses were a total loss. 

Ichiban’s owner, Manny Saenz, said he was “seriously uninsured” and the rebuilding costs will be more than $400,000. He said he does plan to reopen and would like to stay in the same location. He is anxious to find out the results of the inspection and wants to be in compliance with whatever the city requires him to do.

“At some point, they’ll let me know whether or not I can move into the two damaged spots. My landlord wants us to stay and is supportive,” Suarez said. 

The community is showing their support for Ichiban, and a gofundme.com page has been set up to accept donations. 

“I didn’t know about it until someone told me,” Suarez said. 

As of press time, $950 had been collected.

Erin Holtz had just opened her business, Pure Fitness, and had a grand opening set for the weekend following the fire. She had begun training her existing clients and was getting ready to open to the public. 

“My husband and I had done the whole buildout ourselves. We were officially open but about to start full operation the next week,” Holtz said. 

Holtz said that she knew God had his hand in the situation, and her faith is getting her through this difficult situation. 

“Actually I said a prayer that morning that God would have his hand in the grand opening, and he had other plans,” she said. “It was surprising to see the fire that morning, but something else is going to work out better.”

Holtz is looking at another space and working with the landlord, management and contractors. She is starting from scratch, but will stay in the Vestavia area, she said. 

She said she also has received support from clients and others who are concerned about her and the business. She had insurance coverage on her content, but that won’t cover the costs to replace everything. 

“Tons of people sent notes and messages and phone calls; people stopped by to let me know they’re supporting me,” Holtz said. “Everyone has offered to help, but there’s not much people can do right now except pray things move along quickly and we can reopen soon.”

Until the new space is complete, Holtz will continue training her current clients. She said she hopes to be open in her new space in June. Pure Fitness offers personal one-on-one training and also group classes. 

“We will have a big grand opening once we get the location ready. Check our website and Facebook page for updates,” she said.

If you would like to donate, visit gofundme.com/ichibandonation and purefitness.com.