In early January, a faulty coffee machine sparked an electrical fire at the Cephas Hot Shop, causing considerable damage to the building's interior and leaving Ybor City icon Cephas Gilbert bereft of a permanent storefront from which to sell his renowned aloe shakes and zesty Jamaican fare. The roof and kitchen were left unscathed, but the cozy dining room, along with 20 years' worth of photographs, posters, autographs and memorabilia, was destroyed. Gilbert — the type of guy who won't sell soda to his customers because it's not good for them — was not insured, so the struggle to get some sort of compensation has been an uphill battle. In the face of it all, Gilbert has ploughed ahead and you can still grab a sip or bite from a stand he's set up in front of the shop. But business isn't like it was when he had a full dining room, and he needs help. You can show your support at a fundraiser hosted by several Ybor business owners this Saturday in front of and around the Hot Shop. There'll be plenty of live music, a special dancing and drumming performance, food and aloe shakes, a silent auction, a gaming area and prize drawings. Don't miss it. Noon-3 a.m. Sat., Sept. 16, 1701 E. Fourth Ave., Ybor City, 813-299-1645.
This article appears in Sep 13-19, 2006.