YORK COUNTY, Pa. — A popular restaurant in Hanover Borough reopened just days after an unexpected accident left the future of the business in question.
Customers call it a story of resilience and a testament to what a community can do when it comes together.
“It says accolades when people are very responsive and come together and we all work synergistically,” said Andrew D’Agenais, co-owner of McAllister’s on York.
McAllister’s is a popular fine dining restaurant in York County.
Early Friday morning, a truck smashed through the restaurant’s dining room.
No one was injured, but patrons like Heidi West and her husband Phillip were left devastated.
“It was like, ‘Wow, crazy, we finally found a restaurant we love and now who knows how long it’ll be until we can come again!',” West said.
Friday’s accident left Kelly Stamm wondering if she’d ever walk through the same doors again.
“I had my daughter's baby shower there up those steps and it was just so beautiful. This place is very, very special to us,” Stamm expressed.
With the effort from restaurant staff and the outpouring of community support, McAllister’s opened again, less than 48 hours later.
McAllister’s owners posted a thank you message on Facebook, acknowledging the efforts made by Hanover Borough, the fire, police and the Jordan Illyes team.
“We feel really happy to be here, so that’s why we are taking the steps necessary to bring everything back to the way it was,” D’Agenais said.
“Improve, adapt, and overcome. The resilience of this staff is phenomenal,” West added.
D’Agenais couldn’t be more grateful to see guests return so soon and referenced how visitors have been leaving kind messages on the protective covering outside the building.
“We had really great community support, and I can’t emphasize [that enough],” D’Agenais said.
“They will always rise from the ashes!” Stamm declared.
Renovations are expected to begin as early as next week.