Grits and Grace, a popular breakfast spot in Bayville, is destroyed by fire
In a post on social media, the restaurant said they planned to rebuild.
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No one was inside the Grits & Grace restaurant when a fire broke out inside around 10 p.m. Monday.
The fire was called in by workers at Pies Place, who saw the smoke and flames.
The majority of the damage appears to be in the rear of the restaurant, where a large hole was left in the roof that sat on top of the kitchen.
This family-owned business was well-liked for its incredibly creative breakfast and brunch menu.
Some of the regulars who stopped by on Tuesday to see the damage were in a state of disbelief.
“I just can’t believe what happened. This is just sad, a sad moment. These people are great people here," said Ken Ferm.
Mike Rotondella was working at Pies Place and regularly ordered breakfast from the Grits and Grace.
“It’s heartbreaking. I wish nothing but the best for them. Like it’s terrible that would happen to anybody," said Rotondella
Members of the Ocean County Fire Marshall’s office were at the restaurant on Tuesday. It will be their job to determine the exact cause of the fire.
There is a GoFundMe page dedicated to helping the family that owns the restaurant.
A message on that post says, "In a matter of moments, the fire took away the business they worked so hard to build, along with their equipment, supplies, and livelihood. While raising their young daughter, this family poured everything they had into their restaurant, staff, family, friends, and the community they serve."
On Wednesday, the restaurant posted on Facebook, vowing to rebuild.
"One thing we know for certain: we will rebuild. No matter how long it takes or how challenging the road ahead may be, we will come back stronger," the owners wrote. "Grits & Grace will be back in our home serving smiles and grits again soon."
They also thanked first responders as well as the community for their support since the fire.
"The outpouring of love has been overwhelming," the owners said. "To our friends, employees, neighbors, and community members who came out in the middle of the night to stand beside us while we watched the horrific events unfold — your presence meant more to us than words could ever express."
