Employees at Zimmy's Tavern staying hopeful and optimistic

22-year formar longtime Zimmy's employee and firefighter, Tina Stoltz, was called to the scene.

"I wanted him to know that I was grateful for him being there, and for him trying his best to help us keep our business. Evan and I have been friends for a long time, and I wanted him to know that I appreciated him," said Stoltz.

As the Zimmy's employees try to pick up the pieces, the local community has rallied around them.

Fundraisers, emotional support, and more. "Zimmyville" has come together.

"This is not just a bar or a tavern, it's a home, Zimmy's isn't a bar, it's the people, and so when you see the community come together for all of us together. It really is heartwarming and kind of overwhelming," said Ariel Smith, 9 year bartender at Zimmy's.

Local restauranteur Cam Snyder has offered employment opportunities to Zimmy's employees while they are out of work.

"All of us all worry about what we're going to do next, but having the community reach out and knowing that we can go certain places, and do certain things, it's really important that we recognize just how blessed we are in this situation because it could've been a lot worse," said Smith.

Staff members say nearly all of their customers are regulars, making for a tight knit bond between employees and patrons.

"We love all the community and the community loves us, it's not just a restaurant, it's where people go to make friends, it's where people go to have fun, the community comes together there. We just had a meeting, and we had two of our customers make us breakfast, I mean there's nowhere on earth where you can find something like that," said Stoltz.

The owner of Zimmy's has expressed a desire to rebuild, but says it may take some time.