As communities work to recover and rebuild from the devastating Los Angeles wildfires, many business owners have been stripped of their livelihood, unsure whether they’ll ever get back on their feet.
Nuccio’s Nursery in Altadena has operated for 90 years. After the Eaton Fire destroyed critical structures on the property, owner Jim Nuccio said closure is likely the only option.
“We’re very possibly getting close to retiring earlier than we thought,” Nuccio said. “Most of the buildings are gone. The equipment is gone, but quite a few plants are still alive.”
Nuccio has only visited his property twice since evacuating after officials sealed off access to burned areas. While most of his plants survived the fire, without water, proper care, or utilities available to keep them alive, the nursery’s future is bleak.
“We have no water,” he told KTLA’s Shelby Nelson. “I’m looking at different ways to get the plants water.”
The nursery specializes in breeding rare azaleas and camellias. By Nuccio’s estimation, he had around 200,000 plants on the property before the Eaton Fire burned through.
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Plants and equipment were destroyed by the Eaton Fire at Nuccio’s Nursery in Altadena, forcing the business to close. (KTLA) -
Jim Nuccio, owner of Nuccio’s Nursery in Altadena, will close his business at the end of 2025 following the devastating Eaton Fire. (KTLA) -
Equipment destroyed by the Eaton Fire at Nuccio’s Nursery in Altadena. (KTLA) -
Plants and equipment were destroyed by the Eaton Fire at Nuccio’s Nursery in Altadena, forcing the business to close. (KTLA) -
Plants and equipment were destroyed by the Eaton Fire at Nuccio’s Nursery in Altadena, forcing the business to close. (KTLA) -
A small business destroyed by the Eaton Fire. (KTLA) -
A small business destroyed by the Eaton Fire. (KTLA) -
A street full of small businesses destroyed by the Eaton Fire. (KTLA)
However, many of his plants are on their last leg. Unless he can access water in the next few days, they won’t survive. Nuccio estimates the impending loss at more than $1 million.
Domenico’s Italian Kitchen in Pasadena has served the community for over 60 years. When the wildfires encroached, owner Donnie Bitonti said he wouldn’t let the family business go down without a fight. He hosed down the roof and did whatever he could before he had to leave.
“It was raining embers,” Bitonti recalled. “Honestly, I didn’t think the building would be standing when morning came.”
When evacuation orders were lifted, Bitonti returned and was beyond relieved to find his restaurant still standing.
But now, like many other business owners, the aftermath presents new struggles, made worse by a continuing lack of power or utilities.
“I’ve already filled up the dumpster four times with food I’ve had to throw away,” Bitonti said. “So just the amount, I’m over $10,000 in food products that went into the trash.”
The City of Pasadena’s Economic Development Division is offering support to business owners and food and beverage employees who are out of work, with available grants from $350 to $1,500.
A $10 million grant was also given to the L.A. County Department of Economic Opportunity to support displaced workers and impacted businesses.
Meanwhile, many small business owners are slowly picking up the pieces and coming to terms with their losses. Bitonti said he’s grateful his restaurant is still standing. Once he’s up and running, he wants to serve his community and find a way to give back to those in need.
“I want to feed the people who have lost everything,” Bitonti said. “I have friends that need a hot meal.”
A Disaster Loan Outreach Center for small business owners seeking help and resources is available at Pasadena City College’s Continuing Education Center. More information is available here.
Additional support and resource options for residents can be found here or at L.A. County’s Emergency Resouces website.
