Lower East Side Standby Gaia Italian Cafe Temporarily Shuttered Due to Building Fire

A fire on top of the building that houses Gaia Italian Cafe has forced the popular neighborhood restaurant to shutter due to water damage, reports Bowery Boogie. The restaurant's website states that it will reopen on December 5, but a sign outside of the Cafe itself is less sure, stating that they do not have a firm date. It appears as if the building may need a new roof, and there is currently no electricity in the building.

Here's hoping this is not the end for the restaurant. Last year owner Gaia Bagnasacco threatened to close the restaurant for good, basically because she was tired of dealing with customers, but then remained open after an outpouring of support on Facebook.