"A fire ripped through Ortobello, a 50-year-old red sauce institution of Bensonhurst last week, later determined by the Fire Marshall that it started in an exhaust fan. Now the South Brooklyn restaurant, located on Bay Parkway, is raising funds to rebuild, Brooklyn Paper reports. Up until the incident, Ortobello was a last-of-its-kind joint, with interiors dating back to the 1970s. The family stepped up since their father’s passing in 2018; he first opened Ortobello in 1974. Next-of-kin owner Andrea Cerasuoli told the publication: 'Unfortunately the flames did spread through the kitchen, and it did do a lot of damage so we have been forced to shut down until the insurance company carries out inspections and we rebuild the inside.' To date, a GoFundMe has raised more than $15,000." - Emma Orlow
