Kinlaw's Supermarket will reopen Aug. 2025 after devastating fire destroys 45-year-old business

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. (WTVD) -- A building that's housed a community grocery store for 45 years burned to the ground Saturday night.

It happened just after 10 p.m. at Kinlaw's Supermarket: The Meat Store located on Sapona Road

Tommy Kinlaw started the business with his brother in 1979. He said a small spark from an electrical short ignited the fire that ultimately destroyed the building.

"I've seen the hard times and I've seen the good times, but this is a hard time," Kinlaw said.

Fortunately, Kinlaw said the company's insurance will cover the cost of rebuilding. He said employees will also be paid in full until the store can reopen -- hopefully by August 2025.

"If I live until then I'll be 79. I hope that will be my birthday present," Kinlaw joked.

Still, the business being closed for so long will be tough. Kinlaw projected his store would be missing out on about $20 million worth of business while it is closed.

Since the fire, members of the community have come out to see the damage and show support, saying Kinlaw's is a neighborhood gem.

"It's affordable -- get a good meal for affordable price. But you, you see a lot of almost like, camaraderie here with the employees," Charles Testerman said.

Employees said the outpouring of support has been gratifying.

"It's nice to know that we're we're truly part of the community that they think that they need, that they come and see us," Kinlaw's employee Jack Muzquiz said.

"They have not just been in the community, but they have become -- they were a part of the community," Pastor Reginald A. Wells said.