Jim Coen isn’t going to let the coronavirus pandemic and a four-alarm fire that heavily damaged his Strip District business stop him from selling all things black-and-gold.
“We’re going to rebuild,” Coen said Thursday. “We’re just waiting to see what we’re going to be able to do.”
The Wednesday night fire caused heavy damage to Coen’s business, Yinzers In the Burgh, in the 1700 block of Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh Fire Chief Daryl Jones said.
Neighboring Parma Sausage wasn’t damaged by the blaze and was open for curb-service pickups on Thursday, employee Darren Schumacher said.
We are completely humbled with the outpouring of love and support that we have seen by so many of you. We have read all of your comments and messages and are truly touched. After the initial shock fades, we will begin to formulate a plan for our future. pic.twitter.com/zAfgugTajY
— Yinzers In The Burgh (@yinzersinthebrg) April 23, 2020
The other neighboring business, the Schorin Co., a party supply store, was evaluating minor damage, but was still processing orders for shipping, employee Alon Bendas said.
The insurance claim process has been delayed because of the coronavirus, Coen said. Aside from a quick look inside, he hasn’t been allowed to evaluate the damage himself.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Yinzers, a sports apparel store, has been closed since March 19, when Gov. Tom Wolf ordered all nonessential businesses to close in the state, Coen said.
Yinzers has been at the Penn Avenue location for five years. Prior to that, Coen was a street vendor who sold Pittsburgh-themed sports apparel in the neighborhood.
