Beloved Berlin Food Market Primed To Rise From The Ashes

BERLIN, CT — The owners of a prominent specialty food market in Berlin that was badly damaged by fire earlier this year say they expect to finally reopen later this month.

Early in the morning on Feb. 3, firefighters rushed to Kensington Market & Catering at 1014 Farmington Ave., Berlin, for a report of a fire alarm.

What was thought to be an alarm, however, turned out to be a conflagration, with the beloved store badly damaged and it has been closed since.

But market officials Thursday hinted that the opening of the specialty food store was imminent, though no firm date has been announced yet.

"It's happening," wrote the market on social media.

"We are putting the finishing touches in place and awaiting some deliveries and anticipating opening in the next week or so. We need all of our followers to cross their fingers and send up prayers and do all of the things to send all of the good vibes and luck and energy our way."

In recent weeks, the market has said it hoping to be able to fill catering orders for the holidays and it is actively hiring staff in anticipation of the reopening.

The market has, even, set up an online system for folks to place catering orders for any holiday parties upcoming.

Meanwhile, the market posted photos Thursday of its newly renovated interior and exterior, which looks primed and ready to go ... just needing food to fill the shelves and display cases.

Kensington Market opened in 1997 after the building site was known as the "Victory Market" for the prior 71 years in town.

The store specializes in "quality food and groceries for great prices with a smile and a friendly face," according to its website.

Specifically, the market offers Italian grocery brands, meats, and seafood via its deli, along with fresh-baked bread and desserts.

It is known for its specialty platters of cold cuts, sandwiches, etc., that are often staples of family and office parties, especially around the holidays.

And, this year, Kensington Market is optimistic it will be a part of those parties this holiday season.

By asking folks to fill out orders, it will determine if it can keep up with demand, according to the market via social media.

"We hope to make everyone happy this year after you all were so supportive and patient, but we also need to be realistic about our capabilities as we reopen," wrote the owners.

For the latest on Kensington Market's reopening, click on its Facebook page via this link.

From Feb. 5: 'Prominent Berlin Food Store Ravaged By Fire: FD'