'Total Loss': Cherished CT Diner Shares Update After Devastating Fire

THOMASTON, CT — Patti's Place, a historic diner that served the Thomaston community for decades, was hard hit in a fire Tuesday night. Several other businesses in a Main Street building were also damaged in the large blaze.

Patti's Place said in a post on Facebook that the fire broke out around 10 p.m. They thanked firefighters and paramedics for their "quick and tireless response."

"It is a total loss," the post reads. "Please keep Patti, Mike and our dedicated staff in your thoughts and prayers as well as CK and Kelly from American Nails, Doug from US Graphics, Bridget from Chatham Beach, Moms Place and all other businesses affected...

"To our customers, we truly loved serving you and the memories will stay with us forever. Patti and Mike poured 35+ hard earned years into Thomaston, and it’s safe to say the town won’t be the same."

The post garnered over 1,400 reactions, 290 comments, and 140 shares.

One longtime customer wrote that the restaurant was a community gathering place and "so much more than a breakfast diner.

"I’m so sorry to hear this. Growing up in Thomaston Patti’s Place was always our go-to for breakfast," the commenter wrote. "Patti would tell the staff to start making my egg sandwiches as soon as I walked through the door, because I never ordered anything else for the 32 years that I went there."

Mom's Place, a handmade crafts shop, and American Nails and Spa were among the other businesses damaged in the fire. Mom's Place announced that the store would be temporarily closed due to the "devastating" blaze.

The Thomaston Volunteer Ambulance Corps ·wrote on Facebook, "Our community is hurting today." The post noted that the loss of several businesses is "heartbreaking and deeply felt throughout our entire Thomaston community."

Derek Savoy, a longtime customer of Patti's Place, has started a GoFundMe for the restaurant.

"The loss is heartbreaking for everyone who loved this little landmark," Savoy wrote.

>>>View the GoFundMe by clicking here.

As of Thursday morning, the GoFundMe had raised $22,165 on 265 donations.

Savoy wrote that the funds "will make a real difference as they begin to rebuild their lives — and, hopefully one day, their beloved diner."

Rozzi's Restaurant in Thomaston is also collecting donations for Patti's Place.

"Every donation is more than support it’s love returned, gratitude shared and a reminder that Patti and her staff are not alone," the restaurant posted on Facebook.

>>>View the Rozzi's fundraiser by clicking here.

Patti's Place was established in 1990 and served classic American diner fare. The restaurant's Facebook page highlights specials from this week like pasta fagioli, baked meatloaf, and egg salad.