MIAMI – Luis Suarez said he felt destroyed. Through tears, he said in Spanish he was determined to move forward after a fire damaged his small business.
The Suarez Bicycles Assembly, a repair shop serving customers since 1987 in Miami, was temporarily closed on Thursday after an overnight fire.
Josue Suarez, the founder’s son, said a bicycle’s battery exploded sparking the flames at their beloved shop on Wednesday night, at 836 W. Flagler St., in Little Havana’s Riverside area.
“My father, the owner, needs your help to get back on his feet,” Josue Suarez wrote on a GoFundMe fundraising page. “All donations will go towards rebuilding the bicycle shop. Thank you and God bless you.”
There were about 20 bicycles in the store that belonged to customers.
Josue Suarez said his father has served families for generations. They have been at two locations. He said there are customers in their 30s who used to go to his father for help at the previous location when they were kids.
“We are going to have to reach out to the clients and give them their money back as well,” Josue Suarez said.
With his son Arnold Suarez by his side, Luis Suarez said he has faith.
“God will always provide,” he said.
According to Miami Fire Rescue, the property owner is insured and the cause of the fire was under investigation.