Mediterranean Deli reopens at temporary location Wednesday after fire forces restaurant to close

Mediterranean Deli, Bakery, and Catering reopens Wednesday after a fire forced them to close back in July.

The deli has a temporary location at 454 Franklin Street in Chapel Hill. The restaurant will be accepting takeout orders only. Orders can be placed from 4 p.m to 9 p.m. through Uber Eats, DoorDash or MediterraneanDeli.com. The staff will bring orders outside as you arrive.

The fire happened on July 22 around 2:30 p.m.

Firefighters arrived on the scene to find heavy smoke and flames coming from the building. They contained the fire, but not before it caused significant damage to the restaurant. The fire caused an estimated $3 million in damages.

"This is my house, my life, not only for me but for everybody," said Mediterranean Deli employee. "My employers, this is my family working here. every family work here together. I'm sorry for everybody."

Firefighters worked for nearly four hours to control the blaze. Two firefighters were taken to the hospital and treated for heat exhaustion.

Several other businesses were also damaged by the fire.

The Chapel Hill Fire Department's investigation is complete, and officials have determined the fire originated on the roof due to work being done at the time. The cause of the fire was accidental.

Alex Carrasquillo, Chapel Hill Public Information Officer, said that Mediterranean Deli is a staple in the town and that many people know it. He said that when you mention Med Deli, people know that it is a great place to go. The owner is a really nice guy and they treat the town really well. They also treat the police and firefighters really well.

"So it's a difficult to come out here and see something like this any day but especially when you know the people who are here and offering their service to the community every day," Carrasquillo said.

Sidney Watts who works nearby expressed sympathy for the restaurant workers.

"I'm sure the med deli people are even more upset 'cause that's like you know work is like a second home so that's like their home burning down almost," Watts said.

A GoFundMe was started to help cover some of the repair costs, and it raised nearly $214,000.