By BOB SHRALUKA
WZBD.com
The Grainery will not only be rebuilt, but will resume limited operations perhaps as early as next week in a nearby building, co-owner Josh Franz said Wednesday.
The First St. business/greenhouse, in downtown Decatur, was devastated by a fire Saturday. Thankfully, Franz said, no one was injured. The business was closed at the time the fire broke out.
A cause has not been determined, but investigators, led by the state fire marshal’s office, have been looking over all aspects of the fire this week.
Franz told WZBD.com that limited operations will resume in the building to the south, across the alley, which is where the Grainery originally began over 30 years ago.
“We have been using it as a warehouse the last few years,” Franz said.
While he’s hoping to get open there next week, Franz explained that “it all depends on how much cleaning we have to do.”
Some volunteer help has been lined up.
“We will have everything like we do, but Christmas is gone … sorry,” Franz said in a video posted on Facebook.
The business will definitely rebuild, he told WZBD.com, but at this time there is no idea when that might begin. “It depends on several things, like insurance,” he added, noting that the business does have insurance coverage.
Franz is thankful for the community support which has been flowing in. “We have had a lot of positive comments,” he pointed out.
St. Peter-Immanuel School, at SR 101 and CR 1100, will hold an all-you-can-eat pancake and sausage breakfast on Saturday, Dec. 28, 8 a.m. to noon, to benefit the Franz family and its business. Tickets are $10 person, while children under five may eat free.
As noted, the business was launched in the building to the south, after Josh’s parents, Marge and the late Ron, purchased the Legge Elevator from George Fuelling in 1995.
About the Author
