Bay Ridge Rallies Around Beloved Local Chef After Fire Destroys Home

BROOKLYN, NY — The Bay Ridge restaurant community is fundraising for a local chef after a fire destroyed his apartment and damaged his restaurant late Monday night.

In just three days on GoFundMe, nearly 60 donors have already raised $2,794.

According to the FDNY, the fire broke out on the second floor of a three-story building on the corner of 4th Avenue and 99th Street at 11:30 p.m. on Monday.

Chef Gustavo Bravo, who worked at the pizza restaurant Campania on the first floor, lived on the second floor with his family of five and their cat.

Brittany Diffullah, who worked at Campania for eight years, said that the family was out when the fire started and sadly, their pet cat died in the fire.

"[Bravo] and his family are devastated. They were at a family function and came back to this horrific scene," Diffullah said.

Bravo's coworkers are also organizing a drive for winter clothes and toiletries at the restaurant, Diffullah, who organized the fundraiser on behalf of Bravo, said.

"They are beyond grateful and appreciative," Diffullah said.

Now, Bravo and his family are staying in a hotel room provided by the Red Cross, Diffullah said.

"The apartment was completely destroyed," Diffullah said. "The restaurant is closed and suffered damage as well and will be [closed] for a few weeks."

The cause of the fire is under investigation by the FDNY.

See the fundraiser here.

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