Community Fundraising To Restore Hank Dietle's Tavern After Fire

ROCKVILLE, MD — Residents have donated over $10,000 to an online campaign raising money to restore Hank Dietle's Tavern, Montgomery County's oldest roadhouse that was destroyed in a heartbreaking fire last week.

The fire occurred early Feb. 14 and caused about $500,000 in damage. Investigators believe it was accidental and caused by discarded smoking materials on the front porch.

The GoFundMe page was created by Kiti Gartner, a local musician who runs Hank Dietle's marketing and manages music. The fund was set up to "ultimately bring music back" to the tavern.

Donations will also help with the initial cleanup, weekly stipends for the staff and small fees the business pays regularly.

"Many volunteers have been working very hard on the cleanup and what they have accomplished these first days is amazing," the fundraising page says. "Meetings are scheduled this coming week with contractors, plumbers and welders, some of whom are donating a good part of their services. We are still in need of help (architects, engineers, general helpers)."

>> See Related: Decades-Old Hank Dietle's Tavern Destroyed By Fire

Hank Dietle's Tavern is a staple in Montgomery County and is the only bar where you can bring your own food or order food in. The building was built in 1916 and first housed a general store, according to the website. The tavern opened in the 1950s and remains a beloved community spot.

A passerby saw the blaze and called 911 at about 3 a.m., Montgomery County Fire & Rescue spokesperson Pete Piringer said. About 65 firefighters responded to the scene at 11010 Rockville Pike and put out the fire in about 15 minutes.

"A lot of people around this whole area have a lot many memories through the years, A lot of people come through," Hank Dietle's Tavern owner Tony Huniak told FOX 5. "I could use all the help I can get now. It's going to take a lot of money to rebuild."

No injuries were reported.

Photos: GoFundMe