The Blowing Rock community is rallying to support the employees of a historic restaurant that burned down over the weekend.
Customers say that when they came to Bistro Roca, they were greeted by people who felt like family. Longtime Bar Manager Katelyn Parker says it's why so many felt personally impacted by the loss of the building.
"A lot of people who have been coming there for generations have shared so many memories with people they care about there," Parker says. "It touches the human spirit and brings together a sense of community and belonging."
The business first opened in 1932. According to its website, it was the oldest continuously serving bar in North Carolina.
The Blowing Rock Fire Department is still investigating what caused the fire to break out in the basement of the building on Sunday morning.
Boone native William Light says it's a huge loss for the High Country.
"That's where you meet your friend, that's where you go eat, that's where your home is, that gives you the love and support of all those employees. It's just that way," he says.
Light worked alongside his friend, Seth Hickel, to launch a fundraiser to support the staff.
Hickel lives in Lenoir and has been a frequent customer for more than 20 years. He says it was only right to find a way to give back.
"If you've ever experienced Bistro Roca, you know what it means to be taken care of by that staff and how much they really became a part of your life very quickly," Hickel says.
The fundraiser is already more than halfway to its goal of $40,000. Hickel says other local restaurants are also planning ways to help support the staff.
The restaurant shared in a Facebook post that there are plans to restore the building.
"We will rebuild, whatever that might look like," the statement said. "This community has sustained us for so many years, and we fully believe will help in rebuilding our future."
Hickel says the announcement was good news.
"It's going to be a really, really fun day to come back and rekindle those friendships and see what rises up, quite literally out of the ashes,” he says.