After a fire destroyed Lightnin’ Salvage Enterprises, Stephen “Satchel” Raye is starting to re-build.
Raye, owner of Satchel’s Pizza, located at 1800 NE 23rd Ave., said he’s met with an architect to plan the future of the outdoor bar and gift shop that was destroyed in a fire Dec. 5.
“We want to do something similar to what we did before, which is a gift shop and bar, music and a playground for kids,” he said.
The cause of the fire is still unknown, but the fire marshal ruled out arson, he said.
The rebuilding process could take anywhere between six to eight months to complete, Raye said.
Eating at Satchel’s is the best support Gainesville residents can offer right now, Gordon said. She said she can’t wait until the shop returns with cool junk to showcase.
Local restaurants like First Magnitude Brewing Company, Crane Ramen and Sweetwater Organic Coffee Company helped out after the fire by offering meals and drinks, Raye said.
Despite the loss, Raye said he’s staying positive.
“We won’t build it back the same, it’ll be different, but it’ll still be interesting,” he said.
A fireman stands in the frame of what was Lightning Salvage, shop at the back of Satchel's Pizza.
