Granite Falls businesses reopen in wake of tornado damage WSOC TV

GRANITE FALLS, N.C. Many businesses in Granite Falls have reopened their doors after tornados ripped through the area Monday, leaving extensive damage and debris. [READ MORE:150 structures suffer storm damage in Caldwell County]

GRANITE FALLS, N.C. — Many businesses in Granite Falls have reopened their doors after tornados ripped through the area Monday, leaving extensive damage and debris.

[READ MORE: 150 structures suffer storm damage in Caldwell County]

The New City BBQ reopened more than 24-hours after the powerful storm damaged the restaurant and took out its power. The restaurant’s owner, Bradley Bell, said he wanted the place up and running as quickly as possible for his customers.

Lindsey McRary said she was waiting tables when dark clouds and heavy rain moved in Monday night. She remembers hearing the ovens banging.

"I had a family of five in there, so we rushed everyone back,” she said. “We have a back cubby where there are no windows. We got everyone in that one room. There were about 10 of us. It was pretty hectic."

Bell said after he made sure everyone was okay, he quickly moved most of the restaurant’s food to another freezer.

"The rest of the things we just had to throw away," Bell said.

Bell said he received more than 70 calls from customers the day of the storm, who were asking if his place was open. He said power returned to the restaurant Tuesday night, and his employees worked for several hours to sweep up the debris and restock their freezers.

Despite losing a day of business, Bell said it was his loyal customers who filled his restaurant Wednesday that made up for the damage and kept him optimistic.

"It's a real small community, but everybody comes together every time something happens, so it's great," Bell said.

Eyewitness News reporter Gina Esposito will have a full report on businesses reopening in the area on Channel 9 starting at 5:30 p.m.

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