On the early morning of November 5, 2020, a fire broke out at Bayside Restaurant in Kotzebue, AK.  After 60+ hours, the fire destroyed everything including the restaurant, B&B and the living quarters for their owners.

The winds were sustained at 42 mph, and gusting to 60 mph with no visibility.  Though the Kotzebue Fire Department cameon scene quickly, the fire quickly spread and engulfed the restaurant.  

As of today, there is still one person unaccounted for.  The owner was last seen running back into the building, to get the tenant and employee out from the upstairs B&B area.  Both tenant and employee made it out safely because of him. 

The community of Kotzebue is fundraising for the family of the victims and owners Jay and Sunhe while they face the aftermath of a major fire.  All proceeds and money raised will go directly to their family,  

Bayside was, and always will be a historicplace on Front Street in Kotzebue.  Once known as the Golden Whale restaurant, and Top ‘O’ the Whale Bar, if you have ever visited Kotzebue, you have been to Bayside.  Their hospitality over the years, and throughout the months the new owners were here shows how dedicated they were to our community, and their love and passion for making amazing food.  

Please consider donating what you’d spend on a great Bento Box, or a sushi roll, or their beloved Bayside Breakfast to this fundraiser.  

Please keep their families in prayer as well during this time.  We appreciate you all.

Photos by Christy Nelson, Joette Reich and unknown.