SIGEL - A Jefferson County restaurant where generations of customers enjoyed meals was destroyed by an early-morning fire Tuesday.
Assistant Chief Justin Miller, with the Sigel Volunteer Fire Department, said crews were called to the restaurant at Farmers Inn on Route 949 around 3:30 a.m.
Owner Kim Lucas said the business just celebrated its 40th anniversary this year.
Lucas said Farmers Inn started as a small burger shop in 1977 and quickly grew into a place the community has grown to love.
"It's the place to come," employee Kegan Buzard said. "It's where you take your kids on the weekends. People who work here together are family. It's unbelievable this happened."
The building that was destroyed also included a gift shop and ice cream parlor.
State police said the estimated cost of damage is $1.5 million.
Farmers Inn has many other parts, including a driving range, an Amish furniture store, wildlife exhibits and a petting zoo.
Miller said those were not affected by the fire and no animals were harmed.
Customer Hugh Anderson said he and his wife would stop at the restaurant every Friday night for the buffet.
"This is the hub of the community and Sunday after church everybody comes here," Anderson said. "All the fisherman come here and all the campers come here. It has the best food in town and the best service."
Lucas said she hopes to have Farmers Inn reopened by Friday and plans on rebuilding the restaurant.
A state police fire marshal is investigating the cause of the fire.
Anyone with pictures of the early stages of the fire are asked to contact the fire marshal unit at 814-938-0510.
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