FIRE AT RESTAURANT

a fire broke out at sido falafel and more in the early morning hours of sunday, dec. 13.

the fire department got the call at 7:01 a.m. that day and sent 60 fire fighters in 12 units to the restaurant, at 267 columbus avenue between west 72nd and 73rd streets. the fire started in the rear of the one-story building and was under control by 7:33 a.m.

a spokesperson at the fire department said the cause is unknown.

owner emile aklen suspects it was an electrical issue because the restaurant was closed for business at the time. his staff spent the next several days cleaning up from the fire and water damage.

aklen, who also owns a falafel place at 403 amsterdam ave. between west 79th and 80th streets, said he hopes his insurance company will quickly assess the damage so the restaurant can reopen.

"it's regrettable to be closed on the eve of a holiday," aklen said. "we'd like to expedite the work to resume operation for people on the west side who have been loyal to us for 14 years."