A Lakeland restaurant is in shambles after a roof collapse Thursday afternoon. Ernie's Lakeland Cafe will likely be closed for dining for two to three months as crews work to make repairs. Corina Cappabianca spoke with the owner on what’s next.
LAKELAND, N.Y. -- It's been a staple in the Lakeland community for years.
"In 1999, I bought the restaurant here in Lakeland and called it Ernie's Lakeland Cafe, and I've been here 17 years,” said owner Ernie Tuff.
But on Thursday afternoon, the cafe's roof came crumbling down in the dining area.
"I was across the street and I saw it collapse after I heard the big crackling and rumble," said Tuff.
Tuff said the restaurant had been closed since last Saturday for cleaning, but the business had been open that week for catering. He says there was no indication the roof was in trouble.
"There was nobody in this part of the building, which was a blessing that no one was hurt," he said.
Since the collapse, he said, he's seen an outpouring of support.
"It's a wonderful thing to be supported by customers and friends," he said.
There was no damage to the kitchen, and Ernie's will continue to cater. A restoration crew is working to secure the building and put a temporary roof on.