A $5,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest of a suspect responsible for an arson at Branzino Ristorante, a popular Center City restaurant. (WPVI)
Updated 2 hrs 13 mins ago
CENTER CITY (WPVI) -- A $5,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest of a suspect responsible for an arson at a popular Center City restaurant.
It happened around 8:45 a.m. on July 26 at Branzino Ristorante on South 17th Street.
The fire was quickly brought under control, but the building received excessive damages totaling over $100,000.
There were no reported injuries.
The Fire Marshal's Office determined the fire to be intentionally set.
Surveillance video was recovered which depicts an unknown man walking outside the building then later shows him inside the building.
A short time later the man notices a fire in the building and leaves the area in an unknown direction.
Anyone with information should call the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives at 1-888-283-3473 or the City Wide Arson Task Force 215-686-3243/3244.
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Branzino in Rittenhouse is closed by fire
Updated: July 27, 2016 — 12:33 AM EDT
by Michael Klein, Staff Writer @phillyinsider
Branzino, the popular Italian BYOB in Rittenhouse, will be closed for more than a week after a fire Tuesday morning, its owner said.
Luan Tota, who is in Europe visiting his family, said by text that he had heard that there was a break-in, as well - a point that is noted on the restaurant's website, which contends that the fire was set.
JULIA TERRUSO Branzino, 261 S. 17th St., after the July 26 fire.
"I'm not sure if [a break-in was] related to the fire," he said, adding that he would fly back to Philadelphia shortly to assess the damage. He founded the restaurant at 261 S. 17th St. 13 years ago and expanded next door about three years ago, adding a patio.
Philadelphia police did not return a message Tuesday seeking details.