PALMER TWP., Pa. – Closed for business. The Palmer Township community is heartbroken after a longstanding family restaurant went up in flames.<\/p>\n
The Williams Restaurant is a favorite.<\/p>\n
There is no word on when it will reopen, but employees have a message of hope for their customers.<\/p>\n
“This is home,” said Nicole May, a longtime employee.<\/p>\n
The saying goes: “If you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life.”<\/p>\n
“I leave my home, and then I come to my other home. Like this has honestly been like our safe visit,” said Chrissy Cressman, a longtime employee.<\/p>\n
When longtime employees and close friends Nicole May, Chrissy Cressman and Amanda Thorne got the call that the popular spot off of William Penn Highway was up in flames, they responded immediately.<\/p>\n
“We got here as fast as we could,” said May. “It definitely didn’t process because I didn’t cry until this morning,” added Cressman.<\/p>\n
The late-night two-alarm kitchen fire broke out Sunday night around 10:30.<\/p>\n
Firefighters responded to smoke at the back of the building, with the fire reported to be in the roof and the HVAC unit.<\/p>\n
Authorities said no one was hurt.<\/p>\n
May said she has worked as a server and just about every other position for the last two decades.<\/p>\n
“It’s a staple. It’s a Palmer Township staple,” said May. “This place has seen us. Like, for me, I’ve graduated high school, college, gotten married, had kids, got divorced,” said May. “You know, got married again,” added Cressman.<\/p>\n
Now it’s time to pick up the pieces.<\/p>\n
“We’re already here cleaning up because we can’t wait to come back to work,” Cressman said.<\/p>\n
And create a new beginning for a restaurant that’s been around since the 1950’s.<\/p>\n
“It’s hard to lose a job for any amount of time. So, this is completely unexpected, and it’s a shock to a lot of the employees who are stuck. Like, what are we going to do now?” said Cressman.<\/p>\n
“It’s a shame to see the place closed down,” said John Myer, a longtime customer. “I come here at least once or twice a week. I really like the place. The people are really nice to me and my dog. “<\/p>\n
Myer and his furry friend Harry just pulled into the restaurant’s parking lot, only to have to turn around.<\/p>\n
“It is a great place,” said Myer. “He comes here every time. They really treat him good. They give him a little snack once in a while. They give him water, and the waitresses just love him.”<\/p>\n