A large, dark grey plume of smoke could be seen for miles on Thursday, after the P&G Deli, in the 20800 block of Langley Bypass, caught fire around noon.
Large flames could be seen bursting out of a second-storey window when fire crews first arrived.
Langley City fire rescue were on scene with three trucks and two ladders, and the fire was under control within an hour.
As of Monday, the business had not reopened. Co-owner Debbie Ealey told The Times that she was not sure how long it would take to reopen, as insurance investigators will still determining the cause and extent of damage.
Debbie and her husband Carl took over the longtime business in October, 2011. It has been in operation since 1979.
Debbie Ealey said the fire was “quite a disaster” for the small business. She is not sure what the cause was, but suspects it may have been an electrical malfunction. The investigation will pinpoint the exact cause.
“We have insurance and we will be rebuilding,” she said.
P&G Deli has many longtime, loyal customers and the Ealeys are keeping them abreast of what is happening with the rebuilding and reopening via its Facebook page.
She thanked customers for their patience and promised that the businss will reopen as soon as possible, to serve their needs.
— with files from Monique Tamminga