Kinlaw’s Supermarket | Fire destroyed The Meat Store in Fayetteville, forcing it to remain closed until August 2025 [Video]

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. (WTVD) — A building that’s housed a community grocery store for 45 years burned to the ground Saturday night.

It happened just after 10 p.m. at Kinlaw’s Supermarket: The Meat Store located on Sapona Road

Tommy Kinlaw started the business with his brother in 1979. He said a small spark from an electrical short ignited the fire that ultimately destroyed the building.

“I’ve seen the hard times and I’ve seen the good times, but this is a hard time,” Kinlaw said.

Fortunately, Kinlaw said the company’s insurance will cover the cost of rebuilding. He said employees will also be paid in full until the store can reopen — hopefully by August 2025.

“If I live until then I’ll be 79. I hope that will be my birthday present,” Kinlaw joked.

Still, the business being closed for so long will be tough. Kinlaw projected his store would be missing out on about $20 million worth of business while it is closed.

Since the fire, members …