West DSM News

Jen McVay, the owner of Hawarden's Central Café, said that she intends to rebuild after a severe fire that destroyed the structure, according to a KTIV.

However, she remains unclear on when that will happen.

McVay, who worked at the restaurant for over five years before taking over as owner, said she is devastated but moved by the outpouring of support from her community.

"We are overwhelmed with all the concerns and prayers and the offerings of help we get since yesterday morning," Central Cafe said on Facebook on Dec. 27. "Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. God bless you all."

The café is well-known in the community, KCAU reported. 

Carol Gregg, a Peoples Ban customer service representative, said the café established a "special bond" with northwest Iowa locals.

“They literally treat them like gold,” Gregg said. “They ask how they’re doing. ... It’s more than just a café for sure.”

Kathleen Leitru, a dental hygienist with Family 1st Dental, said that she and her coworkers visited the café weekly and that it will be missed.

“It’s devastating,” Leitru said. “We know the people that work there. ... They actually knew what we wanted before we even ordered, so yeah, we feel bad for them and the whole town really.”

McVay plans to reconstruct the café and has launched a GoFundMe campaign to gather funds for the cause.