Owner, Rob Gregorini, of Respect is Burning downtown posted the following pictures and following statement on his facebook page in relation the fire that caused approximately $500,000 damage to the establishment early Thursday morning.

The fire was reported to Greater Sudbury Fire Services by a passing motorist at about 2:25am.

The restaurant has been under renovations since March 3, 2014 and it is suspected that the fire was caused by a space heater or faulty electrical wiring.

Hi Everyone -

As you can imagine we are frazzled and stunned by the blaze that occurred overnight at our Respect is Burning Supperclub. And HUGELY disappointed. We were pretty much on schedule and as of yesterday afternoon the space was looking fantastic cruising towards our opening this coming Tuesday evening with an awesome new layout and a powerhouse of expanded kitchen muscle...

The outpouring of messages of love, support and encouragement from our Facebook friends and across our community for our family and our Respect is Burning Family is awe inspiring and emotional and so nourishing all at the same time and I cannot express enough how grateful we are to count you as our friends and allies, not only now but since we began this awesome journey with all of you in 2001.

The situation, without going into detail, is pretty horrid and I probably won't ever forget what it looked like when I finally got inside with the firefighting team (who by the way are amazing at their jobs and should be thanked daily by the entire community for what they do for us all). Lots and lots of water, char, smoke. Brutal.

I just want all of you to know that Mini and I are determined to work through this as we always have and to emerge again as a powerful force of community and food and entertainment to be reckoned with, like never before.

I messaged to our RiB Family that it never ceases to amaze me how a brutal situation so clearly divides people and shows the true nature of their personal spirit as i'm on one hand being emotionally moved watching our community friends and supporters pouring out resounding offers of assistance and relief, while on the other side others spewing out their derision and toxic venom on someone's personal misfortune. It's saddening and quite sickening, but a reminder that no matter how hard you work for your family and your community and strive for charity and good, some ass is always there ready to take joy and make light of your terrible situation. Thank God for the good people, and we are counting our allies and our blessings and grateful to have all of you with us. Truly grateful.

We have countless amazing memories at 82 Durham and are firm in our commitment to create legacy and loads more fantastic memories in our community and our Downtown. I want everyone to know that we are absolutely resolved to rebuilding this baby better than EVER with all of you as soon as possible. It couldn't be soon enough.







Tons of love - and EXCELSIOR. 



Thanks everyone.



Rob