Union community rallies around Zimmy's after devastating fire
UNION, Mich. -- An update to a story ABC57 news first brought you on Tuesday; a fire burning Zimmy's Tavern in Union, Michigan to the ground.
Among the devastation, a bright spot has been the outpouring of community support for this local staple.
GoFundMe's, fundraisers, and more.
It's all in the name of helping those in the Zimmy's family.
"It was unbelievable, I'm honestly still in disbelief, it's very hard to digest," said Ami Sailor, Union resident.
In the two days since Zimmy's caught fire Tuesday morning due to a gas leak, those that frequented the Union bar have had heavy hearts.
For them, this wasn't just a place to grab a beer or some food.
"Zimmy's is a little special because about 90 percent of the clients are locals that go several times a week, so you walk in, you know everybody there, you love everybody there, it just feels like home," said Sailor.
But from this tragedy, has emerged a community coming together.
Cam Snyder owns multiple restaurants in Elkhart County, and says his heart broke seeing the news about Zimmy's, a place he spent plenty of time at.
"I was devastated, it's a restauranteur's nightmare to get a phone call or discover a fire at their restaurant, and then to hear that some employees were involved, they were in the building, that's just something you can't even fathom as far as how to handle it," said Snyder.
Upon hearing what happened to Zimmy's, Snyder sprang into action.
"We employ 225 here in the community through our four restaurants, and our catering division, and so I reached out and said if they're looking for positions, whether it be temporarily or long term, while whatever happens with the future of Zimmy's, we'd be happy to try and find a position for them and so we reached out and offered a hand to help," said Snyder.
In addition, community members have started a go fund me for Luis Basto, a cook who was injured in Tuesday's fire and remains at Bronson Hospital in Kalamazoo.
But that's not the only fundraiser.
"Hopefully by this weekend, if not by Monday, Baldwin Lake association has gotten with Indiana Lake, long-Coverdale Lake, Shavehead Lake, and Birch Lake to do a Zimmy's 80 years of memories t-shirt fundraiser and that will be available soon," said Sailor.
Sailor says she asked the owner of Zimmy's about the restaurant's future and whether he plans to rebuild.
He said "Give me a year, and we'll be back".
Provided below is a link to show support.