SPRING – An Old Town Spring landmark went up in flames early Sunday.
The Spring Fire Department and several other area departments, responded to the blaze at the historic Wunsche Bros. Café on Midway Street around 3:30 a.m.
"I was driving by when I saw the fire and everything so I called 911," said Anthony Bonilla, who was on his way to work.
No one was inside and there were no injuries. Firefighters stopped the flames from spreading, but couldn't save the entire property. The flames torched the newer addition to the restaurant, built in the 1980s.
"I don't know. I'm devastated. A lot of emotions. A lot of lives affected today," said Beth Vincent, a manager at the restaurant. "By the grace of God the original structure has been left intact. There is a lot of smoke and water damage."
Wunsche Brothers has been standing for more than 100 years and it's a place where people from all over travel to eat. For the first time, other than damages during a hurricane, the establishment had to close its doors.
"This place is historical. It's been here for a long time. I'm heartbroken. Great music. It's a great staple of Spring," said customer Krista Lipsanen.
Employees said the fire started near the stage in the building.
"That's the stage where Lyle Lovett started his first performance," said Vincent.
Not only does it have rich history, the employees said they take pride in working at the restaurant and the customers notice.
"The atmosphere. The people. The hospitality. The way they treat their customers," said customer Connie Macel.
For the people that work there, it's something more than a 9-5 job.
"It's not a restaurant, it's not a job—it's our family. And now that it's gone. It's gonna take time to rebuild. But it will rebuild," said employee Pattie Miller.
Investigators still looking for the cause of the fire. Some employees speculate it was an electrical fire.
"It's a small community. We all look out for one another and it's a sad thing," said Adam Adamski, a nearby business owner.
Meanwhile, the tight-knit group of employees plan to stick together and wait for the doors to open again.
