Walton County Landmark Goes Up In Flames
By: Stephen Crews
Updated: January 19, 2011
”This is the heart of our town, and it’s more than a building it’s where everyone congregates, it’s all that is here,” said one employee.
Walton County Fire Chief, Brian Coley, says the restaurant is a total loss, and though the fire marshal is still investigating the cause, Coley believes it may have been a cooking accident.
“It’s unfortunate for the people for this community because it’s a land mark and maybe they can put it back,” Coley said.
This grocery store and restaurant has been a staple in this small town since the 1936. Lois is a resident and employee at Red Bay Grocery. She says it’s a true community treasure, as more than 20 residents share ownership of the business.
“The whole town has basically invested in it and put it together on their own, I wasn’t a part of that, I just work here but it’s been probably one of the best jobs I’ve ever had,” Lois said.
She says this restaurant wasn’t only her livelihood, like so many other residents here in Red Bay, this restaurant was her life.
“It’s my livelihood right now, it’s my social life, it’s my friends, it’s what we have right now, it’s what I have right now is this place,” Lois said.
Residents on scene say they will work together to bring Red Bay Grocery back just the way it was.
