Fundraiser for DOGZ arson fire 6/12

DOGZ suffered a flood loss on Jan 4, 2017 when a commercial truck from Tapia Brothers company hit the fire hydrant outside of the business causing a total flood loss to the building and the business. The insurance company, Liberty Mutual, is the provider for both the property owner and myself, and it has not been easy to deal with them on an old building that could not just be put back, it needed to be rebuilt to all current building and safety codes as required by the city. The landlords, along with my family and I, have committed a huge amount of time, energy, and effort over the last 18 months to rebuild DOGZ in anticipation of a long awaited grand re-opening. We received final approval on the exterior plans on Monday, June 12th. Work was going to begin on Tuesday June 12th to cover the wood and stucco while the 45 person staff was going to be inside stocking and staging DOGZ for re-opening by July 1st.  All the finish work was completed, the equipment was installed, all new restrooms, everything was new and ready.

Then....June 12th, at approximately 5am, DOGZ became the victim of a random 3 alarm arson fire.  The fire was out within 45 minutes, but not before causing another very large loss. Other than a death in the family, that was the most saddening, emotional day that my family and I had ever experienced. 18 months of time, energy, effort, and all of our financial resources went up in flames before our eyes. All sadness, anger, and grief aside, we cannot change what has happened. The local arson investigators were able to capture video of 3 suspects on video from surrounding businesses that assisted detectives in the capture of 3 juvenile suspects the week following the incident. It does not change what happened, but it is comforting to know they might be brought to justice for the many acts of arson they have been accused of in the East Long Beach area.

So many people have asked if my wife Kelly and I have the mental toughness and financial resources to rebuild DOGZ again and re-open. The overwhelming support from the community about DOGZ, our staff, and our family, has allowed us to stay positive during this difficult time.

The landlord and my family are 100% committed to rebuilding and reopening DOGZ again as soon as possible. We have the support of the city of Long Beach to assist us thru the building and planning phase of the fire damaged structure. We already have approved plans for the interior and exterior of DOGZ from the prior flood loss claim.

My family and I have been fortunate to receive countless numbers of calls and e-mails from people who care about us and DOGZ. For those of you who would like to support DOGZ Bar and Grill and my family as we continue to commit our lives and our resources to opening again, we would appreciate it and welcome the support.

Thanks from DOGZ Bar and Grill, our key staff, and the owners, Rod and Kelly Frontino.