BRYAN, Texas — The Chicken Oil Company has been serving up burgers, beers, and memories in Bryan since 1977.
Today, however, the community of Bryan-College Station is still in shock by the fire of their popular restaurant that happened Sunday evening.
When the news broke about the fire on social media, those closest to the restaurant were quick to respond… even those thousands of miles away.
Texas A&M Alumni Kenny Ryan, who currently lives in Seattle, was quick to voice his grief on Twitter.
“When I heard there had been a fire at The Chicken Oil Company, I was sad…like still now, I get a little shiver of sadness," Ryan said.
"That place has just so many warm memories to me and it's so sad to think it’s just gone now,
"I’m so happy to see it kind of survived though and I just hope they’re able to reopen someday…”
The Chicken Company’s legacy is felt by even former employees like Mark McElwain, who reflected on his time working there in the late 90s.
McElwain said his best memories were all from customers sharing memories at the table.
“It was always an atmosphere that people were happy to be in," McElwain said.
"To hear about this fire is still a bummer though and hopefully they’ll be able to reopen again and share those memories once more.”
The owners have since updated fans that the restaurant will be "closed indefinitely" as of April 10.