Pumpkin giveaway continues after fire

The idea of canceling the community pumpkin giveaway on Friday, after the kitchen fire at Sofia’s Kitchen & Burrito Tyme, never crossed owner Stephen Rosas’ mind.

On Friday, despite being closed due to a kitchen fire and damaged a grill, 120 pumpkins were given away that morning. Earlier in the week, pumpkins were distributed to Midway Elementary, San Antonio Elementary and Head Start, totaling 320.

Rosas said they source the pumpkins from various local suppliers, including Rosales Produce, Sickler Farm, Supermart and Walmart, to ensure widespread support.

“The best thing about the pumpkins is the littlest kid always wants the biggest pumpkin,” Rosas said.

Rosas said the tradition, which has gone on for five years, started with his dad.

“He always taught us to give back to the community, you know, we were real fortunate, like last year being voted best breakfast burrito in the state. That was great,” Rosas said.

Rosas said it was Wednesday when he got the call about a fire at his restaurant. He said the fire started at 9:57 p.m. and was put out by 10:45 p.m.

“I was actually asleep, and Erica Avalos is the one who called me, and she woke me up and said ‘You’ve got a fire at your restaurant.’ So of course, you’re getting up, you’re thinking the worst, right?” Rosas said.

Rosas said surveillance cameras captured a small flame igniting shortly after the kitchen had been cleaned. The exact cause remains unknown; however, the inspector suggested a possible lightning-related static issue might be responsible, although no clear evidence was found.

“We’re real fortunate. We can’t be more appreciative of the fire department and all the people that called in to tell them,” Rosas said

Brian Skornia, a member of the family business, said they received overwhelming community support following the fire and that they plan to host a customer appreciation day once they are able to reopen.

“When we do get back, we’re gonna be back stronger. We want to let the community know that we appreciate them and have them come get some free buffet,” Skornia said.

Skornia and Rosas expect with dealing with the insurance claims and repairs Sofia’s will be open in the next two weeks or so.