DETROIT (WWJ) -- A beloved grocery store in Southwest Detroit has reopened after an arson fire last month.
E&L Supermercado, located on W. Vernor near Cavalry Street, welcomed customers back for the first time on Friday, June 19.
The fire happened the morning of May 11, 2026, as employees were inside preparing to open for the day,
They were safely evacuated, and firefighters responded swiftly to douse the flames.
While no one was injured, but there was quite a bit of damage to the exterior of the building, as well as smoke and water damage to the building's interior.
Social media posts sharing the news of the reopening were met with a lot of excitement from shoppers eager to return to the family-owned store— a staple of the community since the 1940s.
The Latino Press wrote on Facebook:
"After the recent fire, many people expressed their concern, support, and prayers for Mike Fienman, his family, and the entire E&L team. The road to reopening has not been easy, but thanks to their hard work, determination, and the support of the community, E&L is ready to welcome customers back.
For decades, E&L Supermercado has been much more than a grocery store. It has been a gathering place for families and a strong supporter of community events, including food distributions, baby showers, and many other initiatives that benefit Southwest Detroit."
Video obtained by investigators led Detroit police to locate and arrest the man allegedly responsible for the fire.
Philip Valente was federally charged with maliciously damaging or destroying commercial property using fire or explosive.
