CHICKASAW, Ala. (WKRG) — Cement blocks and wooden planks are what’s left of Hall’s Sausage and Wholesale Meats, a place that has been serving locals since 1945.
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“We bought a lot of stuff from them — Conecuh sausages, hot dogs, everything,” customer Nedra Irby said. “That’s a family-owned business. I just hate that this happened to them,” she continued.Those who’ve dedicated their lives to the store are trying to salvage anything that’s left. The owner’s son, Cole Hodges, choked up when telling News 5 this job was his “home away from home.” The now 30-year-old has been working at the store since he was 15.While crews spent most of Wednesday putting out hot spots, Tuesday evening looked a lot different– flames engulfed the building on Iroquois Street at around 9 p.m.
“They were rolling out, and they were coming out on top of the building,” David Richards, a former Halls employee and eyewitness, said when describing the flames. “I mean, you almost think they were going to touch the trees,” he said.
“There was employees down the road just crying because they had lost their jobs,” said Chrystel Richards, one of the first eyewitnesses. “It is a big thing, I mean… There is no Chickasaw without Hall’s.”Officers say the fire likely started in the boiler room. Witnesses say that firefighters were struggling to get inside the store.“I seen them trying to get in, they couldn’t bust the door down. So they got the saw,” James Bailey, who lives across the street, said.“It is heartbreaking for the family to see their business go,” Richards said. “They’re a really good family,” he continued.
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The owners tell News 5 they’re trying to move forward and are thankful for how supportive the community has been during this difficult time…