Chicago Firehouse Asking For Funds To Help Employees After Fire

A campaign to raise money for the Chicago Firehouse Restaurant employees continues, as do efforts toward rebuilding the fire-ravaged steakhouse.

It's been less than two weeks since firefighters responded to a roof fire at the restaurant that's forced its shutter, and that means 61 employees don't have paychecks.

Wanting to help mitigate that impact, the Firehouse has started an online campaign to raise funds for hourly workers. So far they've raised $5,375 with a $6,100 goal:

We are collecting funds to help hourly employees during this difficult time. 100% of the proceeds will directly benefit staff members, and will be distributed evenly. The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant team is truly like family, and any assistance in providing holiday cheer for this family is greatily appreciated.

There's no word when the restaurant inside the former fire station could reopen, but they've started a social media hashtag, #CFHrebuild.  A spokesman issued a statement from the owners:

We are making every effort to rebuild the restaurant. We are overwhelmed by the heartfelt support we continue to receive from our South Loop community and the hospitality industry.