Over a year after smoke and flames nearly destroyed Mark Morgenstern’s rotisserie house, the only thing that’s charred today is the chicken.
The James Street N. charcoal barbecue restaurant, Charred, re-opened Friday at noon for the first time since a fire on March 7, 2024. Originating in the kitchen ductwork, the flames caused extensive damage throughout the restaurant and the apartments above.
Morgenstern, who’s owned Charred for over a decade, said at the time he was filled with worry over if staff and customers would return.
“I have no idea what’s going to happen,” he said.
In the months that followed, Morgenstern said he was on site every day overseeing renovations and upgrades.
Now he’s back to serving customers.
While “everything is brand new” the restaurant looks the same as before, he said.
Nearly all of his 17 workers also came back, he said. He was able to continue paying them despite the restaurant being closed because he had business interruption insurance.
“You have to take care of the people who work for you,” he said.
For a limited time, Charred will keep menu prices what they were in 2023 as a way to welcome customers back.
The costs of doing business has increased since the fire, Morgenstern said. For example, a full chicken costs $2 more than in 2023 and Charred buys at least 600 a week, totalling an increase of about $1,200.
Family bought building in 1968
Sticking by the business was worth it to keep the family memories alive, he said. His parents bought the building in 1968 where they opened a clothing and shoe store called Morningstar. His family eventually rented it out to different businesses throughout the years until Morgenstern opened Charred.
Tenants and their pets were living in four upstairs units when the fire took place, he said. No one was hurt, but the homes were severely damaged and all moved on.
Wynne Baker was among them, as she didn’t know how long repairs would take. She said she’s since settled in another apartment downtown.
She told CBC Hamilton in the days after the fire that her unit and belongings were destroyed by fire, smoke, grease and water.
The units have been restored and mostly rented out, said Morgenstern.
On Friday morning, he stood at the counter, getting ready to open Charred for lunch. After that, it will return to being open seven days a week, except for Christmas, Boxing Day and New Years Day.
“No matter how slow it is, I always want people to know we’re open,” he said.
