UPDATE: Jan. 9 at 7 p.m.
A beloved roadside restaurant that has served the small community of Sand Gap since 1956 was severely damaged in a fire Friday morning, leaving the town without its only dining establishment.
Frosty-ette, located on US-421, went up in flames after a stove fire spread to the rafters and across the roof, according to owner Roger Collins.
"Something I always wanted in my life was a restaurant, and this was my chance…and I loved it," Collins said.
Collins said he had stepped out for a quick errand to nearby McKee when the fire started. When he returned, staff were scrambling to contain the blaze that had already spread throughout the building.
Firefighters from multiple agencies responded to the scene, stopping traffic to battle the flames. The restaurant suffered extensive fire and water damage.
"I put a lot into it and it's just hard to see it go," Collins said.
The loss hits particularly hard for the tight-knit community, where the restaurant served as more than just a place to eat.
"Big memory for a lot of people," Collins said.
Local resident Paul Alexander described the restaurant as an integral part of Jackson County.
"It's been part of Jackson County and we love it," Alexander said.
Regular customers praised the restaurant's burgers and shakes, saying the quality remained consistent throughout its nearly 70-year history. While the iconic sign received upgrades over the decades, the food never changed.
"It's a great place to eat, you can't get no better food, you ask anybody that's ever been there and they'll tell you the same that I am," Alexander said.
The damage presents a significant challenge for Collins, who said the restaurant was uninsured.
Community members have already begun rallying around Collins, offering donations and labor to help rebuild the restaurant.
"If that's what we'll need, that's what we'll do," Alexander said.
Collins said he plans to reopen Frosty-ette, but there's no timeline for when that might happen.
Original Story:
The Jackson County Sheriff's Office reports that emergency crews are on the scene of a structure fire on US 421.
Officials say traffic will be affected, and drivers should seek an alternate route.
LEX 18 is working to learn more information.
This is a developing story. Check back for the latest updates.
