Westside Diner, a staple for many in the community, suffered damage inside their building on December 29 when a gas fire began behind the grills and fryers. According to a post by owner and Councilwoman Madula Kalesis, the fire burned all night.
“There is quite extensive damage to fryers and grills and other equipment,” the post read. “There is black soot on pretty much every piece of equipment/surface and everything else. We will keep you updated as far as the opening day as soon as we contact all the appropriate departments needed. It could have definitely been a lot worse, so we are thankful the fire did not spread. Please keep our staff in your thoughts as this is their only income to support their families.”
According to the Carlisle Fire Company call log, the company was dispatched at 5:53 AM for the fire. A video posted on Westside’s social media pages show a video of a fairly sizable fire with the comment that “this burned all night.” The size of the fire indicates that Kalesis is correct in saying that it could have been worse.
“Yesterday was a long day of phone calls with the appropriate departments needed,” Kalesis posted on December 30 read,” First of all I would like to thank everyone for their kind words and support during this time from staff to customers to my fellow city officials. A lot of you asked if there is a way to help staff while they are waiting for us to open up. Miss Jeanie Morgan has taken the lead on this as her and her husband have a non-profit that typically are doing the benefit for blessing families at Christmas.”
Kalesis stated that she was very grateful to the Morgan’s for setting up a relief fund for the staff and that 100 percent of any month donated would go to the staff.
“We appreciate each and every one of you and we are hoping to get the insurance go ahead to start cleaning up and be up and running in no time,” Kalesis said. “There is also a raffle being put together by local community members. We will keep everyone updated as we get more information.”
Checks can be made out to Dave Morgans Music Ministry and mailed to 731 McColley Street, Milford DE 19963. The EI number for tax purposes is 82-4606951. Venmo can also be sent to @momomof3 or through PayPal.
