Restaurant owner sees dream business go up in flames

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. - A family-owned restaurant that just opened is forced to close after a devastating fire.

The fire started at Mamaws County Kitchen on Memorial Drive early Thursday morning.

The owner said opening the restaurant has always been her dream. She said it would have been her 34th day in business, but she arrived around 4 a.m. to find her dreams were going up in flames.

"I came in this morning at 4:17 in the morning and the building was on fire," said Ivy Beck.

Beck said she couldn't believe what she saw and she doesn’t know yet what caused it.

"It looked like it could have been electrical. I don't know. the fireman told me the roof fell in the back," said Beck.

Beck said owning her own restaurant has always been a dream of hers.

"I enjoy cooking. I've worked at a lot of different restaurant chains. Myself and my son just a dream. I retired and it was something to keep me from getting bored," said Beck.

She said while she's only been open a short time, her restaurant known for its soul food has become a popular spot for people in DeKalb County. She said they too are in disbelief.

"Customers have come by and told me I need to cook at home and come to the parking lot and just have their food. We’re going to see how that's going to work out," said Beck.

She doesn't know if or when she will reopen. She said it's been a lot to take in.

"I cried about three hours but then crying isn't going to help me. I've got to sit down with my kids and figure out our next move," said Beck.

DeKalb County Fire is investigating to determine what caused the fire.