AMHERST, Ohio — Amherst's iconic Hot Dog Heaven restaurant is picking up the pieces on Tuesday after the eatery caught fire overnight.
The restaurant in the 400 block of Cleveland Avenue in Amherst has an unreported amount of damage as a result of the fire. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Hot Dog Heaven has been a family staple in the area since 1976.
The good news is that owner Chris Russo says he is planning on rebuilding the restaurant. "To answer the many questions, YES, we will rebuild Hot Dog Heaven! We will do our best to keep the nostalgic feel that everyone remembers and grew up with over the last 44 years. Rest assured, Santa Claus is safe and will make his appearance this holiday seaso," Russo wrote on Facebook.
"I want to thank everyone for their overwhelming support during this sad and unfortunate time. We will unite together to rebuild and the tradition will live on with Hot Dog Heaven," he added.
Reaction about the fire at the restaurant has come all day as so many of you have shared your memories of going to Hot Dog Heaven.
Here's what you had to say:
Angelique OBrien - "I hope they will rebuild. My heart is so sad for you guys."
Christie Wilt Ruggles - "We were just there a few wks ago! I have loved this place ever since I was a kid! It's always on our list when we visit grandma and grandpa. So sad!"
Krista Wilson - "My parents took me as a kid. I I took my kids and my kids took their families there."
JoDee McCurdy - "Hot dog heaven has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I was born in 72 and it opened when I was four. Every year we have pictures growing up in front of the Santa at Christmas time and we have eaten there on a regular basis all these years. I moved away from the area many years ago but all of my family is still here. I never miss a visit to hot dog heaven when I'm in town. In fact I was just there on Sunday. I really hope they plan to rebuild because Amherst would not be the same without it!!! . I have taken my own son there now and was hoping it would be part of his tradition as well!"
Sarah Robbins Berry - "I haven’t eaten there in probably 20 years, but it was so good!"
Brenda Brannon - "Its very sad been there forever.. live real close to it and its so sad to lose just a great place."
WATCH: 3News' Carl Bachtel visited Hot Dog Heaven on Tuesday and had a look at the damage on Facebook Live.
You can also see more of the damage below:
