NEW HARTFORD — Mangia Macrina’s Wood Fired Pizza, 8636 Seneca Turnpike, was vandalized and set on fire over the weekend, according to its owners.

On Saturday, Dec. 10, around 11 p.m., New Hartford Fire Department responded to a fire call to the property.

The department was able to save the building from being a total loss; however, the business’ operations at the site have been temporarily halted as work continues to restore the building.

The cause of the fire still remains under investigation. The fire department, New Hartford Police Department and the New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control all involved with the investigation.

“While the investigation is ongoing, it has been determined arson ... we need anyone’s help that may have information that might help us,” the Mangia Macrina’s Facebook post stated.

“This hurts. Tonight, someone decided they didn’t like us,” the owners wrote on social media. “It hurts to think that this was caused the way it was.”

Mangia Macrina’s is known for using Neapolitan recipes and techniques to make authentic wood-fired pizzas. In addition to the New Hartford location, the pizzeria also has a location in Little Falls and a food truck to bring their business to various parts of the Mohawk Valley and beyond.

The community has been vocal on social media regarding the incident, showing their support for the business and disappointment in what has happened to the building.

A GoFundMe fundraising campaign was organized by Mangia Macrina’s owner Chris Woodbeck and launched on Monday, Dec. 12 after hearing requests from the community who wished to help them during this time. The business has set up a goal of raising $20,000.

“We have been touched by the outpouring of love from the community which really had us in tears as we read every one of them. We love our community, and we will rebuild and be back to making the best wood fired pizza you love,” Woodbeck posted on GoFundMe.

“The time of year this has happened hits hard for our employees,” Woodbeck added. “We want to make sure they are taken care of. With the uncertainty of what’s next, your generosity will help clear some of that while we rebuild, restore and figure out what is covered by insurance and what is not.”

Anyone who was within the vicinity of the pizzeria on Saturday night, or anyone with any information regarding the incident, is asked to call the New Hartford Police Department at 315-724-7111.