Even though a fire tore through his Washingtonville restaurant on Sunday, Kevin Radday was smiling Thursday, and struggled to find the right words to convey how grateful he is.

As soon as Radday’s regular customers and fellow business owners learned of the fire at Radday’s restaurant, Betty’s Country Kitchen, they immediately started calling and taking to social media to offer their services to help rebuild. 

“Carpenters were offering to build new counters. Glaziers were offering to help with the glass,” Radday said Thursday morning when reached by phone. “To have so many people step up and say, ‘I can do this’ and ‘I can do that,’ is really overwhelming.”

Employees at the nearby ‘Nailed It’ Hardware Store sprang into action to help restore several awards and artwork that were salvaged. 

Those items include a portrait of Radday’s mother, Betty, for whom the restaurant was named just before it opened five years ago.

The fire started just after closing time Sunday afternoon, likely in the basement, before spreading through the interior, Radday said.

‘Nailed It’ employees Jenny Brown and Nicole Tenaglia said Radday’s commitment to his community has become well known through his involvement with the school board, Kiwanis Club and other community organizations.

Brown said Radday’s numerous interactions with customers and total strangers over the years led to this massive outpouring of support.

“We’re working with the arts committee," she said. "There’s just a lot of people jumping on board to see what we can restore for them."

Others, like Howell siblings — Lily, Hunter and Chase — chose to help by selling tie-dyed facemasks and collecting donations in their front yard.

Like many local families, the Howells have a special connection to Radday and his restaurant not just for the famous chocolate chip pancakes.

Last year when the siblings lost their father, Radday brought the family meals.

Their one-day campaign brought in $693.15.

They are not surprised they are not the only community members donating time, money, or services to help the restaurant rebound.

“It’s nice to know people are doing that,” Hunter said, “...people care.”

Radday said the building's structure may need to be rebuilt, and he hopes to reopen the restaurant in six to eight months.

He said he will spend his time away from the restaurant volunteering with local charities.