Fire allegations anger Emory’s owner
Published 10:51 pm Monday, January 11, 2010
EVERETT — The owner of Emory’s on Silver Lake, the landmark restaurant destroyed by arson, said he’s angry about comments people are making on the Internet blaming him for the Nov. 9 fire.
Everett police last week announced that they have evidence the $2 million blaze was intentionally set.
Some people have posted anonymous comments on newspaper and restaurant Web sites accusing Emory’s owners of trying to cash in on insurance money and escape the hardship brought by the economic downturn, said Emory Cole, the restaurant’s owner.
“It just gets discouraging and aggravating to see that stuff,” he said Monday.
On his restaurant’s Web site, Cole called the people making the allegations “idiots” and delivered this message: “My Grandmother used to say, ‘If you can’t say something nice about somebody, don’t say anything at all!’”
Few details have been released about the arson. Police said they do not have a suspect.
In the weeks since the early-morning fire, speculation has swirled around what sparked the blaze and who might be responsible.
The restaurant was doing well before the fire, Cole said.
“According to our suppliers, our business was doing better than most (restaurants) based on our purchases,” he said.
The business renewed its insurance policy in February, months before the fire. The owner said the restaurant also passed recent state and city inspections.
“We have always tried to be responsible business operators and keep our premises safe and clean,” Cole said.
Since the fire, many employees have found other jobs. Emory’s had business interruption insurance, which helped pay some salaries through the holidays, Cole said.
Demolition of the charred remains of the restaurant is scheduled this week, Cole said. He plans to build a new restaurant and serve dinner by the end of the year.
In the meantime, Cole said, he hopes police make an arrest.
“There’s nothing I would like better,” he said. “It would make my year.”
Jackson Holtz: 425-339-3437, jholtz@heraldnet.com.
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