A devastating fire engulfed the Flavors Restaurant & Lounge in Rocky Mount early Thursday morning, causing extensive damage that has left the community in shock. The fire broke out around 3:50 a.m. at the establishment located on the 100 block of East Thomas Street. Firefighters arrived to find heavy flames and smoke emanating from the roof of the building. An eyewitness recalled, ‘It was just flames everywhere. I couldn’t believe how fast it spread.’ According to officials, it took over 40 firefighters nearly two hours to extinguish the blaze, which has been deemed a total loss. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation, but preliminary reports suggest it may have started in the kitchen. Flavors Restaurant was well-known for its diverse menu and was a staple in the local dining scene. Owner Maria Gonzalez expressed her heartbreak over the incident, stating, ‘We poured our hearts into this place and it’s devastating to see it go.’ The Rocky Mount community is rallying to support the staff and owners during this difficult time, as they try to recover from the loss of a beloved local eatery. As of noon on Thursday, the area surrounding the restaurant remains closed off to the public as city inspectors assess the scene.
