NEW ORLEANS — A line of customers would be out the door on any normal Friday during Lent at Fisherman's Cove.
But, a devastating fire there on Saturday closed the seafood business, a Kenner mainstay for nearly 40 years.
"My personality is you've got a problem, you jump on it," Fisherman's Cove owner Dave Robinson said. "That's what we've done."
The seafood market where the fire started sustained major damage. Flames and smoke also spread to Harbor Seafood, the adjoining restaurant. Robinson is confident he can reopen both businesses.
Friday, his employees were working in the restaurant
"On this side, I think it's mostly smoke mitigation, get the smell out, put a fresh coat of paint on it and get everything back to the way it was," Robinson said. "These are our employees. They are very loyal, thank goodness. I think due to their efforts, we can get back going."
That's welcome news to loyal customer Kevin Hawkins and his co-workers across the street at Lamarque Ford.
"At least three times a week, especially during the Lenten season, we're there every Friday," Hawkins said. "We're going to be missing this."
Hawkins was at the dealership on Saturday and watched as fire gutted his favorite seafood restaurant.
"For something like that to happen to a place you're always in, is kind of unbelievable," Hawkins said.
Robinson said support from customers and the city of Kenner means a lot.
"The customers and community have been tremendous," Robinson said. "These people have been working nonstop. Customers have been bringing finger sandwiches, pizza, donuts this morning."
Fisherman's Cove may take a while, but Robinson hopes to reopen Harbor Seafood for his customers, sooner than later.
"Hopefully, we can get them a shrimp or oyster po'boy while it's still Lent," Robinson said.
Lent is Robinson's busiest time of the year. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
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