Fire destroys popular Kanawha Co. restaurant

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) – A popular restaurant in Kanawha County will most likely be forced to close its doors after a suspected grease fire on Wednesday morning.

Several fire departments responded to the Dairywinkle along Campbells Creeks Drive after flames were spotted coming from the roof.

The restaurant’s owner, Kerry Ellison, tells the WSAZ crew on scene his staff was getting ready to open around 10 a.m. when a grease fire started around the grill.

Ellison says after recently installing a roof, he doesn’t think it will be possible to reopen the Dairywinkle.

The Dairywinkle is known for providing free, no questions asked help - including free Thanksgiving dinners. Just this past August, the restaurant handed out free supplies after severe flash flooding in the community and surrounding neighborhoods.

Ellison was even once recognized as a WSAZ Hometown Hero.

No major injuries were reported following the fire.

Keep checking the WSAZ app for the latest information.

A GoFundMe has been set up to support the DairyWinkle for what comes next.

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) – Firefighters are on the scene of a fire at a Kanawha County restaurant on Wednesday morning.

According to 911 dispatchers, flames were seen coming through the roof of the Dairywinkle.

Campbells Creek Drive near the restaurant is currently shut down as firefighters work to knock down flames.

Further information has not been released.

A WSAZ crew is headed to the scene.

Keep checking the WSAZ app for the latest information.

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