Owner Says Beloved Ridgewood Pizzeria Will Reopen 'In A Few Months'

RIDGEWOOD, N.J. — La Bella Pizzeria, beloved local business that closed in April following a devastating fire, will reopen in a few months owner Kenan Yildirim announced Thursday.

The Kings Shopping Center business was forced to close April 24 after the fire severely damaged it. Two other businesses suffered smoke damage. Yildirim is rebuilding the pizzeria.

Residents immediately offered their support by donating nearly $10,000 online to help Yildirim, who goes by "Kenny," reopen the business. More than $12,200 has been donated to date. Resident Douglas Bunza started the GoFundMe campaign.

Yildirim said immediately after the fire he had hoped to reopen in a few weeks.

Customers expressed their support on the La Bella Facebook page, saying they can't wait for the pizzeria to reopen.

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Photo by Hungry Dudes — used with permission via Creative Commons license