Fundraisers Launched To Help Stamford Businesses Impacted By Fire

STAMFORD, CT — The community is stepping up to help the businesses that were impacted by last week's fire on Bedford Street in Downtown Stamford.

A four-alarm blaze ripped through the pre-war stone building located on Bedford Street at the corner of Spring Street, according to the Stamford Fire Department, in the early morning hours of March 7, affecting Chez Vous Bistro, a French restaurant on the first floor; Whim, a women's clothing store on the first floor; Atelier Valoar Couture, a high-end custom dress and alteration store also on the first floor; the Women's Business Development Council, located on the second floor; and U & I Deco Fine Arts & Framing, which is on the first floor with frontage on Spring Street.

Shiro Desserts, located at 172 Bedford St., suffered water damage from firefighting efforts and was also impacted.

Chez Vous Bistro is owned by Chef Erik James Erlichson. His children launched a GoFundMe fundraiser, and it has raised $12,440 as of Monday afternoon.

"While our parents begin the process to recover and to rebuild, we’ve created this GoFundMe to help support the Chez Vous team members (and their families), alleviate the cost of paying vendors, distributors, and purveyors, and to provide them with some peace of mind," the children said in the fundraiser description.

"We grew up in the kitchen with our dad and it’s heartbreaking to witness him experience this loss. He’s poured his heart and soul into the establishment—it’s deeply reflected in the community he and our mum have created, bringing friends and families together for the past decade," the children added. "If you know our parents, you know they are extremely loving, kind, and generous, hard-working people. They put the same dedication, love and care into the restaurant as they have in raising us. We want to give them a fighting chance at rebuilding."

Saying they were "shellshocked and devastated" in a Facebook post, the restaurant vowed to rebuild.

"My apologies to anyone with reservations and parties scheduled," Erlichson said in a separate post. "We will do our best to get back on our feet, God willing, soon."

U & I Deco Fine Arts & Framing was founded in 2003 by Ana Maria and Alain Bars, "uniting a shared passion for art to build a business and reputation as Stamford’s premiere Custom Frame Shop, Art Restoration and Conservation concern," the company's website says.

Ismael Franqui, a friend of the Bars family, created a GoFundMe fundraiser which has raised $3,935 as of Monday afternoon.

While the space was not impacted by the flames, it received heavy water damage. Franqui said the business lost valuable client artwork, gallery pieces, and essential materials because of a flooded basement.

"Every donation—big or small—makes a difference in helping this cherished business get back on its feet," Franqui wrote. "Let’s come together as a community to preserve a space that has enriched Stamford’s cultural and artistic life for decades."

Danillo Valoar, owner of Atelier Valoar Couture, said in an a GoFundMe fundraiser that he works 12 hour days, seven days a week to provide services to the community. He has temporarily relocated to 13 Spring St. while his shop gets rebuilt.

In an Instagram post, Valoar said his customers' clothing, including wedding and party dresses that were left for alterations, were spared from the flames.

"Although I have insurance that covers any damage to my clients, my insurance does not cover all my losses and therefore I need the help of everyone who can help me rebuild my business and be able to resume my activities," he noted in the fundraiser description.

The fundraiser has garnered $1,603 as of Monday afternoon.

The Women's Business Development Council, a nonprofit that focuses on entrepreneurial and financial training for women in Connecticut, said they are assessing the extent of the damage done to their space and will provide updates as they learn more.

"As we approach our third decade of service to the women entrepreneurs of Connecticut, we are reminded that resilience is at the heart of every small business journey. Throughout our history, we have empowered women to push forward in the face of adversity, to turn challenges into opportunities, and to come back stronger than before. Now, we have the chance to live those lessons ourselves," the WBDC said in a Facebook post. "Our systems are in place and we are open for business. Please don’t hesitate to reach out. As always, we can be reached at 203-353-1750 or info@ctwbdc.org."

Whim, which has locations in Bronxville, N.Y., Mount Kisco, N.Y., Darien, and Ridgefield, said they will reopen "as soon as possible."

Sabrina Yang opened Shiro Desserts in 2022 at the age of 19. The business offers Asian-inspired drinks and desserts, like bubble teas and crepe cakes.

A GoFundMe was launched on Monday to help the business recover from water damage it sustained during firefighting efforts.

"Shiro has been a part of the community for almost 3 years crafting original recipes for drinks and serving Asian inspired desserts," the fundraiser description says. "What started as a journey for creativity and passion for culinary has turned into a nightmare for Sabrina."

Money will go toward rebuilding, replacing lost equipment, and helping Shiro's employees get back on their feet.

As of Tuesday afternoon, the fundraiser had raised over $1,000.

The Stamford Chamber of Commerce and Mayor Caroline Simmons have pledged support to help the businesses get back on their feet.

Those who have temporary spaces or can donate resources to help should contact Chamber President and CEO Heather Cavanagh at hcavanagh@stamfordchamber.com or 203-614-9979.

"Together we can make a difference and support our local business community," a joint statement on behalf of the Chamber's board said.

"I am heartbroken for the businesses that have been impacted but relieved that there were no injuries or lives lost," Simmons added.

"The City will work closely with the business owners, Stamford Downtown, and the Stamford Chamber of Commerce to provide support, resources, and any necessary assistance to help them through this challenging time."

Editor's note: This post has been edited to include fundraising information for Shiro Dessert, located at 172 Bedford St. The business suffered water damage from the March 7 fire.