Main Street Pizza & Deli

05/31/2026

A note from the owners of Main Street Pizza & Deli:

Dear Neighbors and Friends,

I am writing to share an update on the current situation in Uptown Lexington following the fire on May 19. Having operated businesses here since 1981—including the J.F. Ward Company and Main Street Pizza and Deli—I have seen our community persevere through many challenges. Today, our local businesses need that same strength and support.

Due to the fire, a portion of Main Street and a side street remain closed for safety and structural assessments. This has significantly impacted the "people count" for many of our wonderful local stores, restaurants, salons, and services. While the road closure makes access look different, there is sufficient parking available. I encourage you to think of it like walking through a mall to reach your favorite destination. Please continue to patronize these businesses during this difficult time; your support is vital to keeping them open.

Regarding Main Street Deli, the building sustained extensive water and smoke damage. For safety reasons, only professional crews in protective gear can currently enter. We have already disposed of all food items, and our equipment is being professionally evaluated. Because the walls, floors, and ceilings have buckled, the building will require a complete gutting down to the structure.

It is a long road ahead, but we are taking it one day at a time. Thank you for staying Lexington Strong and supporting our uptown business community.

Sincerely,

Joe and Jackie Hearn

05/26/2026

Come support our friends at the Floating Goat Brewing, grab some pizza and a drink! They have really shown us what community is all about 💚🐐

05/26/2026

https://www.visitlexingtonnc.com/upliftlexington?fbclid=IwdGRjcASBwj5leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEe2LWCta6oiraycguBDeRjTqndP2sWclQcVBLRw0viUarJSsCW6RGTSE0BvcU_aem_Z9ZEJpPmGqXEvXJKr8W3vg ❤️

Visit Lexington NC has collaborated with Uptown Lexington and the Lexington Area Chamber of Commerce (NC) to create a unified landing page for the ongoing efforts to support the businesses affected by the tragic fire last week.

You can help direct people here to see a collective list of efforts to support. If you, or someone you know has an initiative they would like listed on this page, please contact Visit Lexington NC to have it added to the page.

05/25/2026

We will always honor and never forget. Forever grateful to all who served 🇺🇸🤍

05/24/2026

We cannot say enough thanks to our community 💚

Our Uptown Lexington community is still reeling from the horrific fire last week. If you’d like to help the businesses that were affected, please visit: https://www.visitlexingtonnc.com/upliftlexington?fbclid=IwdGRjcAR___BleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEeeqF84iYXfEH4iZFVyqkb84hAa2MJluu3w7qcyGPu_aq44_je5u564THrTKs_aem_gaKtrNMAIvmBlt_xJN-1zQ

05/23/2026

Below is a statement from the owner, Jackie Hearn (the lady who was always at the register) 💚

We have missed all of you strolling on our sidewalk and patronizing our businesses on our special block in Uptown Lexington since the devastating fire. Most traumatic, was standing across the street in the dark in the early hours Tuesday morning; all four families owning the businesses affected, watching our blood, sweat and tears for years disintegrate and wash away before our very eyes and hugging each other because part of our family was going away. Our thoughts were of our customers over the many years that we are so thankful for, but would not be able to see again for a good while. As well as, “how are we going to come back to life and most painful the thought of our employees having no job to come back to”.
As you know, two of our block families’ buildings burned almost to the ground. Bagels and More had extensive smoke and water damage. Our hearts ache for them as they lost things that were irreplaceable. Main Street Pizza and Deli had so much smoke and water damage that all the interior walls, ceiling and floors will have to be gutted right down to the brick and mortar and studs and concrete to mitigate the moisture and smoke damage. We will continue to work through the assessment of the damage and develop plans for restoration.
In the past days, the owners and managers of the Deli have been in constant contact through meetings with the owners of the businesses affected, structural engineers, insurance representatives, City officials, Uptown Lexington, and State historical preservation officials. This has been a collaborative and cooperative effort by all involved.
Of primary concern is the stability of the remaining walls. Safety concerns have dictated the street and sidewalk closing. We are also painfully aware neighboring businesses have been affected by street closure. Make them top of mind and patronize them, please. Next time you see a fireman and policeman, thank them as their jobs were very hard that night as well as their monitoring in days ahead, they did such a great job.
Thank you for all your prayers and love for us all. Between all of us, we will post our progress and status as we know more.

05/22/2026

We were encouraged by to create a gofundme for the market Saturday. Words cannot describe how much we appreciate our customers and our community. Every kind word and encouragement we have been given means everything to us. All that we ask is that you please look to donate to and before you give to us. Thank you 💚

https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-restore-our-beloved-main-street-pizza-deli?attribution_id=sl:f8709b3c-8acc-4a28-8f45-448a7253246d&ts=1779501647&utm_campaign=natman_ss_icons&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=copy_link

05/19/2026

Words cannot express the sadness and heartbreak we are feeling right now. We are thankful no one was injured and we ask for your prayers and patience as we work through this difficult time.