The Night the Pizza Place Vanished: What Really Happened

The peaceful evening in Herriman was shattered by chaos. What started as a car crash morphed into a devastating fire and subsequent explosion that leveled a commercial building, leaving residents, business owners, and employees in shock. Among the casualties were local staples: the Jimmy John’s, SuperCuts, and a beloved Domino’s Pizza, the spot many families counted on for their weeknight dinners.

“Oh yeah, it was a wild phone call. The store was on fire. A car had crashed into the building.”


Debbie Merrill, Owner of the Destroyed Jimmy John’s

The accident struck just 10 minutes after the Jimmy John’s location had closed its doors for the night, a fortunate timing that likely prevented further casualties. Residents living nearby were jolted awake by the initial impact, and then by the terrifying explosion that followed.

Heroes Among the Rubble: Bravery in the Face of Disaster

The immediate aftermath was a scene of chaos, but amidst the rising smoke and debris, true heroes emerged. Debbie Merrill recounts the incredible quick thinking of her shift manager, who not only evacuated the building but also courageously helped pull one of the passengers from the crashed car. This decisive action ensured everyone got out safely, just moments before the situation dramatically worsened.

Local resident Aaron Stevens, whose family witnessed the unfolding disaster, described the surreal experience. After initially thinking firefighters had the situation under control, the unexpected blast sent shockwaves through the community. “The building blew up! Which kind of freaked all of us out,” he recounted, highlighting the sheer unpredictability and danger of the moment. Police officers on scene also acted quickly, urging families like Stevens’s to evacuate, saving them from potential harm.

💡 Key Insight

The timing of the explosion, occurring shortly after closing, and the immediate response of employees and first responders were critical in preventing a far greater tragedy.

Beyond the Rubble: What’s Next for Your Pizza People?

Days after the fire and explosion, the bustling area where Domino’s Pizza, Jimmy John’s, and SuperCuts once stood is now eerily quiet. The focus has shifted from the immediate crisis to the profound impact on the livelihoods of those who worked there. Many community members, like Aaron Stevens, expressed concern for the displaced employees: “I hope everybody landed on their feet, jobwise.” This sentiment reflects the personal connection many patrons had with the staff at these local spots, including the familiar faces serving up their pizzas.

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    Employee Support & Relocation

    For the 19 employees affected by the Herriman Jimmy John’s closure (a situation mirroring that of the Domino’s staff), nearby locations are making concerted efforts to absorb them. While finding 450 hours of additional availability is challenging, the commitment is there to provide as many normal hours as possible, ensuring these dedicated individuals can continue to work.

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    Continued Customer Service

    To serve the loyal customer base, including those who frequented the Domino’s, Jimmy John’s is expanding its UberEats delivery area. This means residents in Herriman can still get their favorite subs (and perhaps eagerly await the return of their pizza) delivered, ensuring some continuity of service until rebuilding efforts can begin.

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    The Road to Rebuilding

    While the full timeline for rebuilding remains uncertain, the determination to restore these vital community businesses, including the beloved Domino’s Pizza, is clear. As the investigation continues and plans take shape, the spirit of gratitude for a tragedy not being worse remains strong among business owners like Debbie Merrill, who emphasized, “This could have been so much worse, so I’m really just grateful.” The community now looks forward to seeing these familiar places, and the people who staff them, rise again.