Tragedy struck McHenry this past Sunday when a fire heavily damaged two local businesses. Riverside Bakery and Reese's Barkery and Pawtique, both positioned on Riverside Drive, fell victim to a blaze that left the building with significant damage, and while the source of the fire remains unknown, Mayor Wayne Jett has already reached out to both establishments, pledging support for their recovery or relocation efforts, as reported by NBC Chicago.
As heavy smoke billowed from the shared commercial space, it marked a somber moment for the community. Riverside Bakery, a 50-year-old cornerstone known for cookies and donuts, and Reese's Barkery and Pawtique, a heartfelt venture for pets and their owners, faced a reality check that their legacy and livelihood were shaken. According to a FOX 32 Chicago report, a resident expressed the local sentiment, saying, "All the locals go here," emphasizing the significance of the bakery to generations of families.
Despite the setback, the spirit of continuity remains undaunted as Reese's Barkery and Pawtique affirmed through a statement addressed to their patrons, "No matter what our building looks like right now, we are making sure your pets have the food, treats, and essentials they need for the week ahead. Our store may be damaged, but our commitment to this community is not." The same determination echoes from Riverside Bakery, which stated, "We are currently closed throughout this time and will provide updates when we learn more information. Thank you to the local community who has voiced your support," as stated by FOX 32 Chicago.
