INDIANAPOLIS — A fire destroyed a beloved east Indianapolis restaurant that's impacted the community well beyond its menu.
Its owner is a well-known advocate for Indianapolis. Now, the man who has supported others for years needs support himself.
The day after fire gutted his business and his heart, reality set in for restaurant owner and community advocate Ron Gee.
"I was broken. I didn't want to get out or bed today," Gee said. "Reality is, 'How do we feed our community? How do we feed our family? What do we do now?' That is my reality as I pulled back up here today. It's all gone."
Tuesday morning, Gee got to work to find smoke and flames filling the 1313 Eatery and Market.
The beloved east-side brand Gee built with his brother has been in other locations around Indianapolis.
It was destroyed after being at East 10th Street and North Drexel Avenue for just a month. IFD said the cause is still undetermined.
"The day we got approved to open up, it was like one of the best feelings! It was like, 'We did it!' So it hurts us. It hurts the community," Gee said. "It's like, 'Man, what do we do now?'"
The eatery and market is known for its wings and tenderloins and for treating customers like family.
"They love chicken, and God used the chicken to bring people together! One man, who had six kids, always came in and always paid. One day he comes in and says, 'Hey, I don't have no money this time.' OK, I have food, though, so here you go! We are here for the people," Gee said.
This loss is about much more than a restaurant. Gee has made it his mission to serve the community for years.
He's behind Operation Cease Fire, which is aimed at reducing violence in Indianapolis. He started The Village Project two years ago, employing kids at his restaurants and tire shops, teaching them work and life skills.
Gee also recently held a fall festival block party near the restaurant, introducing himself at the new location.
And he's held an annual Friendsgiving party, promoting peace and unity during the Thanksgiving holiday.
Gee lifts up Indianapolis.
Now, because of fire, he's the one in need.
"I hate to be the asker or the beggar because I'm always being the giver — me and my brother always being the giver — but this time, we are asking, you know, straight up, we're asking for any type of financial support," Gee said. "I just know that we've done so much great work here all across the city, and we're just hoping the city will stand with us."
Gee is counting on the community to help him rebuild.
And, perhaps this comes as no surprise, Ron is still giving back.
Friendsgiving this month?
It's still on for the public, even amid his personal tragedy.
"Food, fun, fellowship and family. There's no such thing as strangers. We're all family," Gee said. "Spread love and steal hugs each and every day, no matter if you're having a bad day."
Friendsgiving is set for Nov. 19 from noon until 8 p.m. at Soul Food Shack, located at 10537 E. Washington St., Suite B.
If you're interested in helping the restaurant rebuild, there is a fundraiser set up here.