REDFIELD, Iowa — A fire at the Dexfield Diner and Pub left the community with a building full of rubble, and the walls barely standing. Two months later, the rebuilding process has begun, and the owners credit it to fundraisers and the support around them.
"That's what's keeping us going, is hearing the positivity from the community," said Steve Roberts, owner of Dexfield Diner and Pub.
Local businesses have stepped up, donating profits, organizing fundraisers and bringing attention to the work that lies ahead for the diner.
While the building remains hollow, the glass is still half full.
"If it wasn't for the fundraisers, [the diner] would still be sitting here with the rubble," Roberts said.
Now, the building stands completely gutted, but ready for a rebuild.
Roberts said they have saved nearly $160,000 by doing all the demolition on his own.
"That's money that we'll be able to put back in the rebuild, and you know, obviously we could put it right back in our pocket, but we want it to go right back in here to help us get this going a little faster," Roberts said.
Roberts credits those around him and is thankful for everyone rallying around his dream of running the diner.
"There's a lot of heart in this town and we're getting shown a lot of love," Roberts said.
Roberts and his wife have plans drawn up for how they want to rebuild, adding that they plan to open multiple businesses within the space.
"We're gonna keep going forward and nothing's gonna stop us," Roberts said. "We're gonna rebuild this place and we're staying right here until we get it done."
The diner plans to host more pop-ups and community events while they rebuild. Roberts even plans to cook some of his diner favorites to share.
The cause of the fire was ruled as "undetermined".