WACO, TX — Harvest on 25th has been forced to temporarily shut down after an electrical fire tore through the restaurant's entry and kitchen, leaving a trail of damage.
In a Facebook post, the restaurant said the fire sparked in the front room. Thankfully no one was in the building and the complex as a whole only experienced minor smoke damage.
"There are no words to describe how devastating this is for our team, especially Toby and Juanita, who built Harvest on 25th from the ground up," the post read. "We’ve all poured so much love and care into the space and into building a community around feeding your body & soul well."
Grace Guilliam, a waitress at Harvest on 25th, says going to work was her home away from home.
"It's been such a family for everyone who works here and it's just, it's a restaurant but also a home," Guilliam said.
She couldn't believe the news when she heard it, thinking no way that could happen to such a heartfelt family owned business.
"Toby our owner texted our whole team and if you know Toby, he has a really great sense of humor, so I thought he was joking," Guilliam said.
Sadly it wasn't a joke but thankfully no one was hurt and the surrounding business were not damaged.
In the mean time community members have rallied behind the restaurant, raising money and sending words of encouragement.
Customer Darius Ewing loved their vegan pancakes with blueberry syrup but its the atmosphere that brought him back time and time again. The food was just a bonus.
"There's a good energy in the building and people are all conversing, and people are enjoying the food and company and conversation," Ewing said.
Praising the owners, Toby and Juanita, Ewing was heartbroken for them to see an amazing restaurant forced to close.
"I super felt for Toby and Juanita and just the amount of heart they put into it and the amount of care they put into it because of the neighborhood that they serve," Ewing said.
Guilliam thanks all those who have supported Harvest on 25th since the fire and says this isn't the end just a new beginning.
"We are so thankful for everyone in the community, who has donated in whatever capacity they can. We just hope you continue to rally behind us and stay tuned for what's coming next because there will be things coming next," Guilliam said.
A GoFundMe fundraiser has been started to help rebuild the restaurant and keep employees paid while the restaurant is closed.
Harvest on 25th will be closed until further notice. For updates, follow their Facebook page.
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