COUER D’ALENE, Idaho — People who worked at the Wolf Lodge Inn are heartbroken as the restaurant burned down Monday.
MORE: Fire destroys Wolf Lodge Inn near Coeur d’Alene, three firefighters injured
The grind of the restaurant industry can build strong relationships and the crew at the Wolf Lodge Inn were no different with one employee describing them as a family.
Employees watched reunions and proposals take place over the years.
Ariana Beatty who had worked at the Wolf Lodge for four years said, “It’s a place of love. We’re all family. There’s no turnover rate because we all love it so much.”
She said this building is irreplaceable, as it was built in the 1930s. The lodge had signatures of past workers on the walls and special heirlooms that are now gone forever.
“It’s just devastating. There are no words. They can’t rebuild this place, unfortunately. I’m sure they’ll try, but it will never be the same,” said Mandy Jones, a Wolf Lodge Inn employee coming up on 16 years.
Mallory Aubat who worked at Wolf Lodge for nine years said the loss for staff and the community is like a death.
“It’s to know that we won’t all be together anymore. Like helping other people make memories. It’s just like, that’s the worst part,” said Aubat.
Firefighters said the fire started around noon and required almost a dozen different agencies when it spread to nearby woodlands causing a small wildfire that was contained.
The official cause is under investigation.
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