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Fire Tears Through Fred’s Restaurant

April 8, 2020 | 11:05 AM - Updated on April 9, 2020 | 11:13 AM
in FOOD, NEWS
71

There was a kitchen fire at Fred’s restaurant, at 202 West 83rd Street and Amsterdam Avenue on Tuesday night.

“The call came in at 10:52 p.m,” the FDNY reported. “12 units and 60 fire personnel arrived and put water on the fire. It was under control by 11:40 p.m. There were no injuries.”

From photos we’ve received the restaurant appears to have sustained serious damage, and the windows were boarded up as of Wednesday morning.

Fred’s has been around since 1997.

Tipster Ed Hersh called it a “tragic development.”

“They have been so wonderful about staying open for delivery and folks have been trying to support them and their workers,” he wrote.

The restaurant had temporarily closed on Tuesday. “We are taking a brief ‘paws’ in delivery and pickup in order to get our hard working kitchen and delivery staff a break,” Fred’s said on its website. They had a link where people could buy gift certificates.

UPDATE: Fred’s has started a GoFundMe.

Thanks to Heather for the photo

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71 Comments
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UWSmaven
UWSmaven
5 years ago

I just went by and spoke to David who runs the place. He must have been there all night and looked despondent. However, he said the fire was NOT in the kitchen, it was in the dining room closest to the front. The damage was really heavy, and at this point has no idea where it started and what the next steps are. Really sad and awful.

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Diana Leddy
Diana Leddy
5 years ago
Reply to  UWSmaven

This is horrible. Was anyone with David? I’ve been trying to reach him. We need to rally around him and help him rebuild.

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Cyrus
Cyrus
5 years ago

Love Fred’s, truly a community establishment. This is heartbreaking. I hope they are back up and running soon.

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chuck d
chuck d
5 years ago

Probably going to see a few more of these in the coming weeks.

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Nick
Nick
5 years ago
Reply to  chuck d

You are kidding me right? Even if you really do think that’s what happened. You should keep it too yourself. It’s a despicable comment during a time like this.

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Robyn
Robyn
5 years ago
Reply to  chuck d

Before you speak, ask yourself: Is it true? Is it necessary? Is it kind? -Rumi

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Marina
Marina
5 years ago
Reply to  Robyn

Namaste Everyone

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Catherine Holmes
Catherine Holmes
5 years ago
Reply to  chuck d

How dare you imply this was self-inflicted! Maybe it’s something you would do, but David & Kim never would!
You better deleted that comment!

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Diana Leddy
Diana Leddy
5 years ago
Reply to  chuck d

What are you implying? Do you know David? I do so keep your implications to yourself!

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steve helfer
steve helfer
5 years ago
Reply to  chuck d

nasty comment…Fred’s was a great place…..Borsht Belt Humor……Fine & Shapiro,,” No The Fire Was Supposed To Br Next week ” Sad sick humor

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Nancy
Nancy
5 years ago
Reply to  chuck d

So sad that would be your first thought when so many are in such dire straits. Shame on you. Best wishes to the staff. You are a friend to all.

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Myron
Myron
5 years ago
Reply to  chuck d

Despicable remark.

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UWSmaven
UWSmaven
5 years ago
Reply to  chuck d

If this is some insinuation that it was self-inflicted, I hope you are ashamed of yourself.

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SR and JR
SR and JR
5 years ago

This is horrible…. Freds is one of the best in the neighborhood! I hope they can reopen…. David and Kim you and your family and your staff are in our thoughts…

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Margaret Simmons
Margaret Simmons
5 years ago

Oh, No. A great hangout for many years. Chopped salad at the bar! So sorry!

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NY10024
NY10024
5 years ago

So sorry to hear this. One of our favorite places. We have ordered from them to support them during this time. Hope they are up again soon.

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Chris K
Chris K
5 years ago

Fred’s is about as quintessential of a neighborhood bar/restaurant as you could find. Warm and inviting with the friendliest staff in the business. This is tragic and hope they are back up and running — this is a neighborhood institution. David and Kim are fantastic people- we love you guys.

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Cordcutter
Cordcutter
5 years ago

Devastated when Citizen app alert came up last night.
Stay strong and hope to see you reopen soon!

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Sean & Nancy Wahl
Sean & Nancy Wahl
5 years ago

I am sooooo very sorry to Kim and David and all of the incredible staff. I will keep you close to my heart.

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Fred R
Fred R
5 years ago

I hope they are insured. Hoping for the best outcome.

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Uwsider
Uwsider
5 years ago

We will be there for you when you are back online. Fred’s is irreplaceable!

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Allison
Allison
5 years ago

Sending good vibes to them. What a terrible time for this to happen.

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CB
CB
5 years ago

I am incredibly saddened if not sickened. This was the only restaurant in the city that had REAL charm and REAL service, David being there on most nights. It was also the only restaurant where you could order ANYTHING and it would be very good in quality and flavor. The most underrated and special restaurant in the city. David, if you are reading this, that wall will fill up anew with dog pictures in a HEARTBEAT when you open back up and you will be flooded with guests.

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JV
JV
5 years ago
Reply to  CB

I thought of the dog pictures too! I had only been inside a few times, but each of those times I felt so comfortable and happy to be there.

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Wendy B
Wendy B
5 years ago

I’m so sorry to hear this. Fred’s has been my go-to place for many, many years. My neighbors and I dine there together regularly. I hope David will be able to get things back in order soon, for his sake and for ours!

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LongtimeNYer
LongtimeNYer
5 years ago

We’ve been customers for at least 15 years and have been ordering delivery during this health crisis. Hope David and Kim can get going again. My go-to place for hamburgers, and Fred’s has lots of other good food, also.

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Nelson
Nelson
5 years ago

Ohhh no….one of my favorite fixtures of the neighborhood and the place where I first met my life partner 6+ years ago, so it has an extra special place in our hearts. Condolences and best wishes for a full & speedy return!

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Barbara
Barbara
5 years ago

Please find a way to reopen. You are a vital part of the UWS. Can’t wait to return to the deli food

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UWSEd
UWSEd
5 years ago

Oh NO! All of the dog photos – gone?

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Beth Kaplan
Beth Kaplan
5 years ago

David,So sad. Hope you are able to rebuild and reopen.

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Lesli klein
Lesli klein
5 years ago

Very sad. So sorry.

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Rob S
Rob S
5 years ago

This is heart breaking news to our family. Dave is one of the most genuine, honest hard working family guy we know and this just goes to the core. Dave our hearts , thoughts and prayers go out to you and the entire staff!! We are here to help in the process to re-build and re/open as a NYC institution!!!

Rob and Suzanne

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joan chiverton
joan chiverton
5 years ago

So sad. It always felt warm and friendly and dog friendly sitting outside with our black lab. It was our neighborhood hangout… it was our “Cheers” (the tv show)
Hope they can rebuild.

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Cathy Gay
Cathy Gay
5 years ago

So sad. The plagues are upon us.

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Liza
Liza
5 years ago

Fred’s is the neighborhood’s “Cheers.”. From David and Kim to Natalie, Kennedy, Hallid, etc. We are family. Fred’s was the first place i told my (now) husband that I loved him on our 3rd date 12 years ago. We will all be here to bring the place back to life. ❤️

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AL
AL
5 years ago

Oh NO!! Terrible news!! We LOVE Fred’s!!! David and Kim, we are rooting for you and will be ordering and visiting as soon as we can!

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Paul and Anita
Paul and Anita
5 years ago

David

Terribly sorry to hear the news. Hope you will be able to repair and reopen. Fred’s is special to us. Glad no one was injured. Stay well.

Regards

Paul and Anita

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Susan Gregory
Susan Gregory
5 years ago

This is awful! Fred’s has been my “Cheers” for years. I’m so glad nobody was hurt. Hoping they’ll be able to recover and reopen soon. The neighborhood needs them!

If anyone hears any updates on this story, please share.

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Diana Leddy
Diana Leddy
5 years ago

We’ve know David and his staff for over 20 years. Fred’s is a neighbored staple and just a wonderful place to have a great meal. We need to do what ever we can to help him. Stay Strong David- your people are here to help. ❤️🐶❤️

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Ricki Segall
Ricki Segall
5 years ago

Terrible news, we loved Fred’s and went there for many years. We send our love to David, and hope that there is a future you all would like for Fred’s. Thank you to David and the great staff for all of the times you took care of us, and celebrated with us over the years! from Ricki and Jeff

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Rob
Rob
5 years ago

Been going there since i moved into the neighborhood 11+ years ago. Dave and staff are very nice accommodating people. Always felt comfortable/ at home when there. Both of my dogs pictures were in the back corner nook of the Bar. Just hope majority of Fred’s / Dog pics etc ..was salvageable . Very sad😞 . So sorry !

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Stan N.
Stan N.
5 years ago

My wife and I knew the actual Fred, the restaurant’s canine namesake; he was a good dog. We miss him and hope his restaurant re-opens soon.

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Chris w
Chris w
5 years ago
Reply to  Stan N.

Fred was a SHE 🙂

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Chris
Chris
5 years ago

!!!!!
My favorite restaurant in the neighborhood, and my favorite brunch place in NYC. I have been a frequent and regular customer since I moved into the neighborhood over 10 years ago. That is the comfort place I go when I’ve had a bad day. I’ve dragged so many people uptown to eat there. Dave is just the best. And the staff make being there such a welcoming experience. The UWS Cheers indeed.

Just let me know when you reopen, Dave. I’ll be standing in that really long line of people waiting to show their support, many of which holding new framed dog pics.

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Dawn
Dawn
5 years ago

Oh, this makes me so sad! Fred’s is one my go-to places. David is the best, such a lovely guy. I pray that they can get up and running again very soon.

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Deidre Carmody
Deidre Carmody
5 years ago

I went to order dinner for 3 from the best restaurant in our Hood & to support David & his beautiful “ pet”on Monday . Found them closed sending hugs & prayers to ALL the Restaurant Family🦁

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A. Keen
A. Keen
5 years ago

As an out of towner I would take friends there and we were never disappointed. Hope he reopens.

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DB&SWeiss_FredFans
DB&SWeiss_FredFans
5 years ago

We were SO incredibly sad to hear this news. We are long-time patrons – we can’t imagine our neighborhood without Fred’s. For fans of Fred’s, should/could we start a GoFundMe page to help them out? If it would get them back up and running, once this crazy time is over, I know my family and I would contribute willingly!

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Kim M
Kim M
5 years ago

That was our “Cheers”! Besides the gym and the parks, I don’t think I spent more time anywhere else on the Upper West Side. This is horrible. We’ve missed it in social isolation. To better days, David and Kim and hope Halid, Kennedy and Meg are doing well. Happy to get gift certificates with tips. Please re-open soon.

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Tami Swartz
Tami Swartz
5 years ago

This is so sad. I have been a patron since they opened and used to live right around the corner. Please someone start a GoFund Me for David and company.

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susan
susan
5 years ago
Reply to  Tami Swartz

DAVE!! Biggest hug possible- truly yours since you opened your doors! Carl, Susan and now 16yr old FIONA.
🙏 can reopened when this nightmare is over- we’ll be there!
xxooo

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Denise
Denise
5 years ago

I lived down the block when Fred’s opened and became a regular. I live further up town now but still go there for brunch and dinners. This is a big loss to the neighborhood. I hope David can rebuild in time for the summer.

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Carly Slater
Carly Slater
5 years ago

Dave I’m so so sorry! Jeremey and I are thinking of you and wishing the best for our favorite place 😘

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David and Heather
David and Heather
5 years ago

David and Kim, we are so sad to learn of if this and will be among the many people who will offer to help in some way. Perhaps you can let us all know through Gothamist. Much love

David (Mac and cheese with jalapeños and bacon) and Heather

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Rob
Rob
5 years ago

great place in the neighborhood let’s all help out Dave to rebuild we have been going there for years good food , people and owners

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Bruce R
Bruce R
5 years ago

Fred’s is an UWS institution! David and the gang are not only warm and gracious hosts, but they’re friends too. We will do what we can to help you come back, David and Kim!

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Scott
Scott
5 years ago

Sad to hear. A neighborhood gem.

The veggie sandwich with pesto never failed to delight.

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L
L
5 years ago
Reply to  Scott

David and his family (including extended restaurant family) are mensches. Truly the best hearted people anywhere. We have been going to Freds with our family and friends forever. When our family, with young kids, was going through a difficult illness David sent us dinner TWICE A WEEK for a very long time to help us heal. If David has any difficulty rebuilding or getting insurance coverage for this tragedy then must all help. Freds is not only an essential neighborhood spot, David and his family deserve our support.

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Gloria J Roberts
Gloria J Roberts
5 years ago

Thats so sad. I loved Fred’s because you can bring your fur babies there and eat outside. Such a welcoming placem

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Mike
Mike
5 years ago

David, please set up a gofundme page when you know what you need to rebuild. The neighborhood will help you get back up and running!

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Jerry kohn
Jerry kohn
5 years ago

Oh my, all those big family get togethers in the back room. Birthdays, graduations and a place to go for a burger and beer when exhausted after a long week of work on a friday night.
Wheres the GoFundMe page? Cmon people, we have to help them and hope they can eventually rebuild.

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Amy
Amy
5 years ago

Does anybody know if there is, will be a GoFundMe? Please let us know.

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David J Novak
David J Novak
5 years ago

Dear David
I’m so so sorry!
My prayers are with you & the entire Fred Family
David

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Tom Capitano Purrington
Tom Capitano Purrington
5 years ago

Dear Dan, Megan, Kennedy and all the other hard workers at Fred’s. So sad to hear this news. I hope you will rise again, fresh and eager. Capitano

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