GoFundMe Started For Stockholm's Restaurant Damaged In Fire

GENEVA, IL — The community is rallying to raise money after Stockholm's Restaurant and Brewery was forced to shut down last week due to a fire.

Geneva firefighters were dispatched at 9:59 p.m. July 31 to the two-story building at 306 W. State St. after receiving a report of a fire in a piece of kitchen equipment inside the basement. As crews were on their way, more callers reported smoke billowing from the second floor and roof, according to a Geneva Fire Department news release.

Although the blaze was brought under control in less than 30 minutes, the restaurant's kitchen and the areas directly above it sustained fire, heat, smoke and water damage, Patch reported. As a result, Stockholm's staff had no choice but to temporarily shutter doors and work to rebuild.

RELATED: Fire Breaks Out At Geneva Restaurant, Brewery: GFD

"As devastating as this is, it could have been far worse," owner Michael Oleson wrote Tuesday on Facebook. "... What could have been a total loss was mitigated."

To help the team following the unforeseen setback, staff created a GoFundMe campaign Saturday intending to raise $25,000. In two days, the community donated enough money to cover a week's worth of wages and tips for employees, according to Oleson. The fundraiser's creator said the restaurant's average payroll for the week is about $19,000.

As of Wednesday, the fund has surpassed its goal, accumulating nearly $35,000.

"We, the Stockholm's Family, feel blessed by everyone's generosity," he wrote, adding, "We deeply appreciate and eagerly anticipate working with the Community as we rebuild. For like the Phoenix, Stockholm's will rise for the Ashes. (Forgive me — I couldn’t resist the pun.)"