Fire severely damages Gramma's Comfort Foods restaurant

Jun. 22—MANSFIELD — A fire severely damaged Gramma's Comfort Foods restaurant in Mansfield on Tuesday afternoon.

According to Mansfield Fire Department Chief Fred Mitchell Jr., several agencies were dispatched to the scene at 2:05 p.m. The University of Connecticut, Columbia, Coventry, Mansfield, Tolland and Willimantic fire departments responded to the fire.

Mitchell said that the firefighters spent several hours extinguishing the flames. He confirmed that no human fatalities occurred from the fire, however, one Mansfield firefighter sustained minor injuries. According to Mitchell, the injured firefighter was transported to Windham Hospital.

Mitchell said that two cats from the apartment above the restaurant were killed in the fire.

The restaurant was closed at the time.

Mitchell was pleased with how all of the firefighters responded to the blaze.

"It was a good team effort by all," he said.

Mitchell said that the cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Mansfield Fire Marshal's Office.

On Monday evening, Gramma's Comfort Foods posted on its Facebook page that the restaurant had permanently closed due to the fire.

"Saddens me to let y'all know Gramma's is permanently closed due to a structure fire," management posted. "Please pray for us, as we are devastated."

In a comment to the post, management said that they hope to open the restaurant at a new location one day. They thanked customers and employees for their support over the years.

"Thank you to all the dedicated customers over the years and all the beautiful faces and personalities we got to meet!...," management said. " And to all the employees who helped make Gramma's possible, thank you."

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