Liberia: Burglary and Fire Devastate Newly Opened Restaurant in Monrovia
Monrovia—Eyea’s Plates and Pour, a newly established restaurant launched by Liberian entrepreneur Madam Aren Kollie, has fallen victim to a burglary and subsequent fire disaster that has left the establishment in ruins.
By: Mae Azango
The incident, which occurred shortly after the restaurant’s opening on August 24, 2024, has shocked both the owner and the community.
Madam Kollie, who returned to Liberia from abroad to honor her late grandmother Eyea’s legacy of hospitality, expressed her dismay over the breach of trust by the very security personnel hired to protect her investment.
“The security guards, now in police custody, were on duty when the incident took place,” she explained. “They assured our neighbor, a Lebanese businessman, that the unusual movements in the restaurant were due to workmen operating inside at 5 a.m. Who would believe that?”
The restaurant, located at the intersection of Clay and Carey Streets, employed sixteen Liberians, providing a beacon of hope for the community.
However, that hope was dashed when unknown thieves, allegedly aided by three of the restaurant’s security guards, broke in and stole valuable items including CCTV equipment, computers, printers, a 55-inch television, and even a tub filled with dry fish. Following the theft, the perpetrators set the restaurant ablaze in an attempt to cover their tracks.
In an exclusive interview, Madam Kollie recounted the moment she learned of the disaster. A call from her cleaner revealed that smoke had engulfed the entire second floor of the building. Tragically, when Madam Kollie contacted the fire service, she was informed that their truck was out of service.
In an act of solidarity, nearby neighbors helped to break down the door and extinguish the flames, which had originated in the kitchen and destroyed vital kitchen appliances and inventory.
Despite the devastation, Madam Kollie remains resolute about her commitment to the community. “I am disappointed, yes, but I won’t be scared back to Europe,” she stated.
“In fact, my return ticket for more supplies was scheduled for the 20th of this month, but I will stay here and continue to push forward. I am Eyea’s granddaughter, and I won’t give up.”
Looking ahead, Madam Kollie plans to open an event hall for weddings and other gatherings as a means to continue serving local dishes while repairs are made to the restaurant.
She urged Liberians in the diaspora not to be discouraged by her experience, emphasizing the need for unity and development. “This is just a distraction,” she said. “Together we can rebuild our motherland, but envy and wickedness will only lead to destruction.”
Madam Kollie remains hopeful that the security firm responsible for the guards will address the damages, allowing her to resume operations and support local employment.
Her dedication to her community and disdain for the “crab mentality” that seeks to undermine progress serves as a reminder of the resilience and spirit of those committed to rebuilding Liberia.
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