By SAMANTHA SARACINO
6 News Reporter
NEW TAZEWELL (WATE) - The New Tazewell community reacts after a local landmark, known for some of the best barbecue in Tennessee, burns down.
A fire destroyed Heavy's Barbeque on North Broad Street in New Tazewell Sunday. Firefighters say the flames broke out around 2:30 in the morning and they weren't able to put out the fire until 7 a.m.
All that is left of Heavy's Barbeque Restaurant are items like the sign and front door still remain, but the chairs and tables are burnt to a crisp on the inside making the interior hard to recognize.
"When I saw the building it was a big shock because when we came through Saturday night, there was a bunch of people there and we came back Sunday and it was gone. It was a big shock," said Kristin Whitaker, who lives in the area.
The Tazewell/New Tazewell Fire Department told 6 News that they believe the fire started in the ceiling and advanced to the dining room before they could safely get inside. They think the fire was caused by bad wiring, since this building was remodeled so many times.
"Anytime there is a fire it's sad. Anytime anyone loses something in a fire it's a sad thing," said Jerry Nunn, who never got the chance to eat at Heavy's.
Many people who went to Heavy's often say they'll miss the good food.
"It was good. I just liked the BBQ sandwiches. They were really good," explained Emilee Camron, who has eaten there many times before.
The convenience of the close-to-home BBQ cooking will also be missed.
"I'm pretty sure the community will miss it a lot. They say it's a good place. I mean the only other place that we have that's barbeque is in Harrogate. So this was a convenience for everybody," Whitaker said.
Some members of the community who never got to eat at Heavy's said they are sad they missed their chance.
"Unfortunately I have never eaten there. People say it's a real good place to eat. People who have eaten there say its real good. It's tragic though," Nunn said.
"It was always full. I never got to eat there but everybody I talked to loved it," said Tina Banks, who lives in the area.
Heavy's Barbeque also has another location in Harrogate on the river. It's open seasonally for the warmer months.
Foundation still standing, but firefighters say it's a total loss.
A look at the inside of the restaurant completely destroyed
