Texas French Bread, which has been in business since 1981, sustained more than $1 million in damage from an overnight fire on Jan. 24.
Being a beloved bakery near the University of Texas campus, the Texas French Bread is now a total loss after the fire ripped through the building, even though no one was injured.
"It's a staple of this area. I drive by it every day, the food is fantastic, and it's going to be dearly missed. Hopefully, it'll be able to get back to what it was," said Jackson Arnold, a student at the University of Texas at Austin.
Austin firefighters took three hours to extinguish the blaze at the establishment at 2900 Rio Grande St.
"Media: Final info on Texas French Bread fire from overnight. Cause: Accidental due to a mechanical failure. Damages: $1.1 million (structure); $500,000 (contents),” tweeted Austin Fire Info.
Workers at the building at the time of the fire escaped without any injuries.
“We are devastated at the loss of our bakery and restaurant, but forever grateful that our employees walked out unharmed. The outpouring of support from our community is staggering and many folks have asked how they can help. Our friend has set up a GoFundMe to help us with next steps, linked in our bio, but do not feel obligated. We feel your love. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your support,” Texas French Bread posted on Instagram.
Many people took to social media to share what the bakery meant to them. Some people even showed up the next morning to see the damage for themselves.
Before the building was a bakery, Texas French Bread was the Rome Inn. It was a very popular music venue where artists like Stevie Ray Vaughan and Lou Ann Barton played in the 1970s.
Photos of the bakery that surfaced after the fire show an almost intact south wall that reads “Texas French Bread,” whereas the interior is mostly filled with debris and looks collapsed.