Future Uncertain For Crystal Diner Owner After Devastating Fire

By Justin Muszynski, The Bristol Press

February 28, 2022

A day removed from a devastating fire that could not have come at a worse time, Crystal Diner owner Krishna Naha says the future of his restaurant is uncertain.

“I’m not sure what the landlord is going to do,” said Naha, who took over the diner in 2018 from the previous owners. “I’m not sure what I’m doing.”

Naha said he was in shock when he got a call early Thursday from someone telling him the plaza that housed his diner and several other businesses was ablaze.

“I can’t believe this,” he said he thought after rushing to the Main Street plaza and seeing the building on fire. “I was shocked, like my heart stopped.”

For Naha, the fire could not have come at a worse time. He said he’s still trying to recoup from the devastating blows that the pandemic had on his diner and so many others in the restaurant business.

“I don’t have any money as of right now,” said Naha, who previously worked for 17 years at the local Taco Bell with positions such as general manager, executive manager and market training manager.

But for Naha, he said he had always known he wanted to run his own restaurant – which became a reality in 2019 after he purchased the diner that had been in Bristol for more than 50 years, including 19 at its Main Street location.

Several regular customers of Crystal Diner have reached out to Naha to express their sorrow about his restaurant.

“One customer told me anything I need, she can help,” said Naha, who added that the diner has had a lasting effect on the community.

For that reason, he said, what he would like to do is very clear to him, but he’s just not sure yet that it will be possible.

“I would like to reopen this business,” he said. “I’d like to be in the same location.”

Bristol Mayor Jeffrey Caggiano on Friday said he has spoken to the owner of the building, who isn’t yet sure what he will do going forward. He could receive aid in the form of tax abatements or tax increment financing.

Caggiano said he has yet to speak with the owners of the five businesses affected by the fire Thursday, but he encouraged them to reach out to Bristol’s office of Economic and Community Development or directly to him.

“I’m happy to talk to anyone,” the mayor said.

“I feel very bad for all of them,” he continued. “It’s awful when these things happen. It’s devastating to the 30 or 40 people who worked in (the plaza).”

Caggiano also said the business owners who were affected could look to other vacant parcels in the city without having to wait and see what will happen to the Main Street plaza.

“We have a focus on downtown and trying to develop it,” Caggiano said. “We’re here to help and keep the economy plugging along.”

Justin Muszynski can be reached at 860-973-1809 or jmuszynski@bristolpress.com.