REDFIELD, Iowa — A Monday afternoon fire destroyed part of a local diner in Redfield, the Stuart Fire Department confirmed.
The fire at Dexfield Diner & Pub, located at 904 1st St, started just before 1 p.m. on Monday.
Multiple fire departments responded to the blaze, with response including areal operations and the use of a tanker to shuttle water to the scene. The center part of the building is considered a "total loss".
"It's just a gut punch," said owners Steve and Kristy Roberts.
The Roberts watched their two years of work into a diner, an arcade and a boutique go up into flames.
"I looked up and I saw the smoke, so I came out behind the building here and tried to get in the back door and it was too hot," Steve said. "So I tried to come in the door over here and I opened it up and it was full of smoke, so I went ahead and shut it and then called 911 because I knew there was nothing I could do."
The Roberts had plans to eventually make the space above the building their forever home. However, those plans have changed as little is left of the inside of the building.
Kristy described feeling "helpless" and "frustrated" after the fire.
"Frustrating because all you can do is stand there and watch," Kristy said.
The diner is a beloved local spot, where the Roberts want to bring the community together and make everyone to feel like family.
"I love giving back and I love helping," Steve said.
Their three sons helped bring the diner to life, something the Roberts are very proud of.
"I know this wasn't our boys' dreams, but two of the boys were with us yesterday," Kristy said. "They were so upset for their dad because they know this is his dream and they've done everything they can to help him cause they love their dad."
Steve was living his dream, however he says that he will continue to serve and hope to rebuild.
"I love giving back, I mean, I've never paid myself, I just I would rather give my money to somebody else and just and have fun," Steve said.
The fire department claims no first responders were hurt in the fire.
It's unclear what the estimated cost of the damage is, and the cause of the fire has not been identified.
"Our hearts go out to the owners and the Redfield community for their loss," the fire department shared on Facebook.
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