‘This place is cursed;’ Neighbors speak out after large fire damages several businesses

RIVERSIDE — Several businesses were damaged in a large fire in Riverside on Sunday.

As reported on News Center 7 at 5:30, the fire broke out just after 5 a.m. at the Page Manor strip mall in the 5500 block of Airway Road.

>> PHOTOS: Firefighters battle fire at Dollar General in Riverside

Riverside fire crews told News Center 7 they spent 11 hours on scene.

On Monday, B&J Plumbing and Excavating arrived to clean up the sidewalks and fence off the entire building.

The Riverside Area Chamber of Commerce said Dollar General was destroyed in the fire. Pita N More has extensive damage and Las Margaritas Mexican Bar and Grill has smoke and water damage.

Pam Rice has lived in Riverside for over 70 years.

She remembers the last fire that occurred in the strip mall in 2011.

“This place is cursed,” she said.

Rice said the shopping center has undergone many changes but was shocked to learn about the fire.

“If you don’t put Dollar General, Pita N More, and the other one back in business, then the other ones don’t really stand that much of a chance,” Rice said.

>>PREVIOUS COVERAGE: ‘Heartbreaking;’ Multiple businesses damaged after fire in Riverside

Pita N More and Las Margaritas’s owners said they are deeply saddened by what happened.

On Sunday, Las Margaritas posted to social media saying, “It’s heartbreaking to see our restaurant get damaged.”

Pita N More also posted to social media saying, “…its heartbreaking to see our restaurant burning down & damaged.”

Rice and other neighbors said they are curious to know how the fire started.

“I’ll probably read the notes online and see what they say. But I would hate to see them tear it down and not rebuild anything,” Rice said.

The owners of both restaurants said they are unsure when the storefronts will reopen, but are hopeful they will remain in the strip mall.

We will continue to follow this story.

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