MARSHALLTOWN – It’s hard to believe, but it’s been nearly one month since 13 tornadoes ripped through several Iowa towns.
Hundreds of homes and businesses were destroyed in it all.
And the worst of it all was seen in Marshalltown.
The storms seemed to hit the downtown area the hardest.
The chairs at Smokin’ G BBQ may be empty, but crews inside the kitchen expect a busy Tuesday.
It’s been four days since owners Kimberly and Jerry Gratopp reopened their restaurant after an EF-3 tornado left the business in disarray.
The restaurant lost power and part of its roof. Enough to put a strain on their bank accounts.
Despite that, Lynn Olberding with Marshalltown’s Chamber of Commerce, says the city is back in business.
The Gratopp family and their employees know the countless hours they’ve invested to rebuild their pride and joy will all be worth it in the end.