Arson suspected in fire at Papa John’s

One restaurant owner said he is waiting to hear whether the building is repairable.

AUSTINTOWN — The Austintown Fire Department is investigating as a possible arson a Feb. 2 fire at Papa John’s Pizza in the Teri Mar Plaza on South Raccoon Road.

Dave Schertzer, a fire investigator with the department, said it appears that an accelerant was used in the restaurant to start the 3:30 a.m. fire.

When firefighters arrived at the plaza, the fire was burning in the front counter area of the restaurant.

The fire produced a great deal of smoke, but the fire was extinguished quickly. The walls and ceiling of the building remained hot throughout that day. The plaza had water and smoke damage throughout.

Firefighters had to remove much of the material on the ceiling because it continued to smolder, Schertzer said.

He estimated the damage to the building at about $100,000, with another $100,000 damage to contents.

In addition to Papa John’s, the plaza also contained Karl’s Beauty Supply, Island Tropic tanning, Shear Perfection hair salon, several vacant storefronts and Main Moon Chinese Restaurant.

Schertzer said none of the businesses have returned to the plaza since the fire. On Thursday, two National Fire Repair trucks were parked in front of the plaza, apparently working inside of one or more of the businesses.

Kenny Lee, owner of Main Moon, said he doesn’t know whether the restaurant will be able to reopen. He is waiting for word from the manager of the plaza, Coca Development, on whether the building is repairable or needs to be torn down.

One store owner who asked not to be identified said she heard her business might remain closed for a couple of months until the roof can be repaired. She said water continues to seep into her store.