Vaughan Longo's re-opens following blaze

Yorkregion.com
June 16, 2016
By Adam Martin-Robbins

Longo’s east Woodbridge location reopened Thursday after being shuttered for more than two weeks following a blaze in the potato chip aisle, allegedly started by two teens, estimated to have caused “millions” in damage.

A fire erupted and thick smoke quickly spread throughout the 47,000-square-foot grocery store around 7:30 p.m. Sunday, May 29 forcing shoppers and approximately 30 employees to flee the building.

“It was a frightening experience. It was a surreal experience (for our staff),” Rosanne Longo, company spokesperson, said during an interview inside the store at Weston and Rutherford roads as shoppers strolled through the aisles loading up their grocery carts.

“First and foremost, their concern was for the safety of the customers and getting people out of the store safely, including themselves. I think they executed that very well. ... The fact nobody was hurt or injured, even getting out, is testament to that. We have a lot of unsung heroes in this story.”

The Pet Valu store next door was also evacuated, but none of the other businesses in the bustling plaza - also home to a Tim Hortons, a Shoppers Drug Mart and a McDonald’s restaurant, among others - were impacted.

Police later released security video footage showing two suspects, both teenage boys, lighting a bag of chips on fire and putting it back on the rack, then leaving and walking south through the parking lot toward Rutherford.

A 15-year-old from Bolton and a 14-year-old from Vaughan were subsequently charged with arson - disregard for human life.

The teenagers, who cannot be identified due to their age, reportedly surrendered to police with lawyers.

They were to appear in court Thursday morning.

The total cost of damages is still being tallied, Longo said, but it’s projected to be in the millions.

The store was relatively new having opened its doors in Sept. 2, 2014, replacing the previous Longo’s location just down the road at Langstaff and Weston Road.

It features a Starbucks coffee shop, an eating area and a Wine Shop as well as a salad bar and a kitchen.

During the cleanup, the store’s entire inventory and supplies were cleared out.

Restocking got underway just more than a week ago.

During the shutdown, the store’s 200 employees were offered an opportunity to work at one of Longo’s other locations until it re-opened, Longo said.

“Our team takes such ownership and great pride in what they do that, for them, it was an emotional thing and it was very personal,” she said.

“When I said good morning to every department this morning, I said,’ It’s nice to see you.’ And they said back, ‘It’s nice to be home.’” Longo added.

She also noted that their customers and the community have been very supportive during the closure.

“We’re thankful that our customers stayed loyal to us and it was nice to see their faces at our neighbouring stores,” she said. “When I’ve been listening, as I’ve been walking around, the customers are welcoming our staff back ... and our staff (are) saying, ‘It’s nice to see you again."