Norwood’s Young Star Wine and Liquors Store reopened a few weeks ago, way ahead of schedule, with the help of some friends.

A fire on April 17 devastated the store when water leaked into its electrical system, damaging two neighboring stores, JNS Jewelry and Best Nails, in the process.

There is still the faintest smell of smoke in the air and a telltale black swirl on the labels of a few bottles of red wine. But new white walls, windowpanes, and owner Sean Park’s warm smile say, “welcome back,” almost as loudly as the sign out front.

When Park reopened the doors on May 21, just over a month after the fire, he was pessimistic, despite the support and encouragement of customers and neighbors, said Young Shon, a customer who has been helping out since the fire. Shon translated during the interview with Park.

“We’re countrymen,” Shon said, explaining why, although she has her own work responsibilities as an antiques dealer, she also volunteers here.

Shon said Park and his wife, Gina, speak enough English to conduct their business, having been college educated in Korea before they came here 14 years ago.

When Park bought the business a year ago, he invested everything he had in it. But since he didn’t have insurance, the fire’s damage proposed a daunting challenge.

“It was just black in here,” Shon said. “It was like starting from scratch.”

Park said he faced at least two or three months of renovation, but, much to his surprise, he opened in a month because of his neighbors’ generosity.

Reda Serafina, his landlord, put up a lot of her own money to begin the repairs. She also stopped by almost every day to check how renovations were progressing and to see how Park and his family were holding up.

Also, Foodtown, a nearby grocery store, lent supplies, like a price labeler, until new equipment arrived. The supers in neighboring buildings helped dispose of debris from the fire.

“There must have been a hundred people who have come by,” Shon said, pointing to flowers from one customer and recalling how another bought Park and his whole construction crew lunch one day.

One customer, Greg O’Donovan, whom Shon and Park called a great, loyal customer, came into the store looking for a bottle of Barefoot wine. Park found one last bottle after searching the basement.

“These guys have a great selection for a low price,” O’Donovan said, while giving Shon advice on how to get rid of the lingering smell of smoke. Burning a few sage leaves or incense would probably do the trick, O’Donovan said. “I’ll bring some,” he added, “as my gift to the reopening.”

Ed. note: Young Star will be holding wine tastings on upcoming weekends to show their appreciation. Dates and times will be posted in the front window. The store is located at 288 E 204th St. For more information, call (917) 753-8373.

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