Five Fortunes was devastated by a fire in 2024
Five Fortunes chippy and takeaway in Endbutt Lane, Crosby(Image: Google Maps)
A Crosby chippy and takeaway has revealed what happened behind the scenes after a devastating fire destroyed the business in 2024. Five Fortunes on Endbutt Lane was gutted by an electrical fire, leaving the building and premises out of use for more than a year.
Owners Andy and Stephane described the fire as “one of the darkest periods of our lives”, made even more difficult when they were told they could not make a claim for the damage caused. The owners are preparing to reopen the takeaway under a new name, Pick n Go, with a fresh concept and a “renewed sense of purpose”.
Explaining why the restaurant has been closed since the fire broke out, in a joint Facebook statement, they said: “I know a lot of locals are wondering what actually happened to Five Fortunes on Endbutt Lane and finally we as owners of the shop, have the courage to speak out about exactly what had happened for the past two years.
“In October 2024, our shop was tragically affected by an electrical fire while it was rented out to tenant, resulting in a significant financial loss for our family. What followed was an incredibly difficult journey.
“For almost a year, we dealt with the insurance claim, hoping that the situation would eventually be resolved. Sadly, we were told that we could not make a claim because the electrical certificate provided to us had been forged by someone who presented himself as a qualified electrician.
“The sense of pain, helplessness and injustice we experienced was too difficult to put into words. We had worked hard for what we had built, and suddenly we found ourselves facing circumstances that were completely beyond our control and facing the possibility of bankruptcy.”
The response from friends, family and the community spurred them on to rebuild the business. The post continued: “But during one of the darkest periods of our lives, we also experienced something we will never forget – the kindness and love of people around us.
“Our close friends stood beside us, both emotionally and financially, when we needed support the most. We are especially grateful to our Lord and our church family, whose love, prayers and encouragement helped carry us through during this difficult time.
“We are also deeply thankful to our loving families, who never stopped supporting us. Without them, we honestly don’t know if we could have pulled through as a family.”
Five Fortunes is scheduled to reopen as Pick n Go with a Hong Kong-style two-dish rice concept this autumn. There will be 10 to 12 varieties of far East Asian home-style dishes daily, designed to be “just like a home-cooked meal”.
Andy and Stephanie added “After nearly two years of ups and downs, challenges, and an indescribable emotional rollercoaster, we are finally ready to begin again. Pick n Go is more than just a new takeaway for us.
“It represents a fresh start after one of the hardest chapters our family has ever experienced. We carry your kindness with us as we are very much looking forward to start this new adventure.”
