There was no liver and onions at the Zeigler Cafe at midday Tuesday but there were plenty of smiles.

The small cafe, located immediately east of Kohlsdorf's Quality Corner, appeared to be in imminent danger Monday evening when a fire swept through the men's clothing store. The two buildings are separated by a firewall.

Betty Warhurst has operated the cafe for a decade and good-naturedly told well-wishers who entered the cafe that the usual Tuesday special of liver and onions had been canceled but she vowed to be back on schedule by next week.

"They (firefighters) did a terrific job," Warhurst said. "We were closed when the fire started but after I got here I didn't think there was any way that they could save my building. We had just minimal damage, a little water damage and basically no smoke damage. We're very fortunate because it could have been a whole lot worse."

As fire investigators and insurance adjusters worked next door at the Kohlsdorf's location Tuesday morning, Warhurst had several people stop in to offer words of support. Amazingly, there was electricity in the cafe but the gas lines were disconnected, so Warhurst and friends were bundled up as they gathered at a large table.

Donald Lisanby of Christopher eats breakfast with his wife every morning at Zeigler Cafe. He said he learned of the fire while watching television Monday night. Lisanby was one of those who showed up Tuesday to show support for Warhurst.

"I was just devastated when I heard the news, no, the word 'devastated' doesn't even do justice to how I felt," Lisanby said. "At the time we heard about the fire we didn't know for sure if the restaurant was also destroyed. We stop in here every day. These people are like family."

Warhurst said gas service at the cafe was scheduled to be restored Tuesday afternoon and after some minor repairs she plans to reopen for business - in plenty of time to get liver and onions served up for next Tuesday's special.