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COURIER L 12 IFE, JANUARY 1-7, 2021
Firefi ghters battle a three-alarm fi re at Bassett Caterers on
Christmas night. Photo by Lloyd Mitchell
Xmas blaze
Residents rally behind
beloved Sheepshead Bay
caterer after 3-alarm fi re
BY JESSICA PARKS
Southern Brooklynites are paying it forward to
their beloved Bassett Caterers with donations pouring
in to support staff after its headquarters fell victim
to a three-alarm fi re on Christmas.
The Sheepshead Bay catering company, which has
closed its doors indefi nitely since the fi re, fi rst opened
in 1962 and is known for always lending a helping
hand to its neighbors — most recently feeding frontline
workers during the coronavirus pandemic.
“Bassett has helped feed so many during this
horrible time we are going through including our
front-line workers,” a neighbor wrote on Facebook.
After the blaze destroyed Bassett Caterer’s Avenue
X headquarters, a concerned customer launched
an online fundraiser to help support the business’
three owners — who declined to accept the money
unless it was distributed to their staff, who the fi re
rendered unemployed.
“Morning after the fi re, owners Russell, James
and Frank’s only concern was the well-being of their
employees,” wrote the fundraiser’s organizer, Sam
Wong. “They are truly great people that are always
willing to help anyone in need.”
Within three days, locals donated more than
$8,000 to the GoFundMe page, which the caterers
said will be divided among the employees that helped
make the mom-and-pop business what it is today.
“The GoFundMe was organized in appreciation
of our many employees who are now unemployed and
must face the economic challenges ahead,” the catering
company wrote on its Facebook page. “For their passion
and commitment, we are grateful and any of the
money donated will be distributed to our employees.”
Since opening its doors more than half-a-century
ago, Bassett Caterers has become a neighborhood staple.
To this day, it is many locals’’ fi rst call for large
events, and the impact of their potential loss could be
seen all over social media, where mourners fl ocked to
share their thoughts and even offer up their services.
“I’m so so sorry this happened to you all; Bassett
has fed me, my friends and family for decades. As a local
mural painter from the neighborhood, when you
rebuild/reopen, I would love to paint something for
you guys, for the fi refi ghters, for the neighborhood, if
you’d like it on the side It would be an honor,” wrote
one user. “I’m glad no one was hurt, stay strong, the
community loves you!!!!”
The cause of the fi re remains under investigation
by FDNY fi re marshals.
H2168_MKT21-15 M File & Use 10022020