Longtime customers, neighbors and friends are reacting sadly after the iconic Silo restaurant in Chenango County was destroyed by a rapid fire.
The fire at the business on Moran Road in the city of Coventry was reported early Sunday morning.
READ MORE: Four-alarm fire burns restaurant silo to ashes
Firefighters from various departments battled the blaze for hours. No injuries were reported and investigators were on the scene Monday trying to determine what caused the fire.
Gary Kurz, who had operated the restaurant for several decades, put the business and related properties up for sale about a year ago. At the time, he told WNBF News that he still loved the restaurant and its customers, but “I want to retire.”
Dozens of people posted messages of support for Kurz and his wife on the Facebook page of the Silo restaurant.
Many expressed dismay at the destructive fire as they fondly recalled many special occasions they had celebrated at the Shiloh.
“We are devastated to hear about the fire! So many memories, wonderful owner, lovely staff and such delicious food,” commented one Facebook user. “It is a tremendous loss to the entire community. My condolences to the Kurz family and the staff at Silo. You made many of your clients feel like family. I hope you rebuild it.”
In the WNBF News Radio Facebook post reporting on the fire, many listeners followed suit, sharing memories and showing support for the family.
One listener noted: “It makes me very sad to hear this! The Silo has always been my favorite place to enjoy great food. The Greek tenderloin is definitely the Bomba! Everything in this place was nice.”
Another that said: “The first place I had was to have dinner with my husband’s family and meet everyone, this was a great place.”
The business was originally called “Ye Old Silo Restaurant” when it opened in 1967. The place reopened after a rebuilding project after a fire caused severe damage in May 1985.
Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com.
For breaking news and updates on story development, follow @BinghamtonNow On twitter.
LOOK: History of food from the year you were born
America’s 50 Most Popular Restaurant Chains
YouGov researched the most popular restaurant brands in the country, and Stacker compiled the list to give readers context on the findings. Read on to see the wide and divergent variety of American restaurants; maybe even find a favorite or two.
.