WINTER HAVEN, Fla. - A fire has temporarily closed Harry's Old Place, a cherished restaurant in Winter Haven.

On Monday afternoon, owner Dwayne McQuillen was doing paperwork inside the restaurant when he heard unusual noises, smelled smoke, and discovered flames behind the bar.

"I grabbed the fire extinguisher and tried to put it out, but it didn't work. I came outside to catch my breath, then went back inside with another extinguisher. I tried twice to get it out, but it was already too far gone," McQuillen recounted.

McQuillen called 911, and Polk County Fire Rescue arrived within minutes to extinguish the flames. Firefighters believe the fire may have been caused by an electrical issue.

Despite smoke and water damage, McQuillen says the damage is superficial, and the structure remains intact.

"We were very fortunate it happened when we were closed, so no one was in the building, and nobody got hurt. It could've been a lot worse. If I hadn't been there or it had gone on for another 10 or 15 minutes, it could've been really bad," McQuillen said.

The community can support McQuillen and his partners by visiting their other three restaurants in the area: Crazy Fish, Break Burger Garage, and Locorrito, all located in Lake Wales.

McQuillen hopes to reopen Harry's Old Place within a few weeks, but this depends on permitting and repairs.

The quick response by Polk County Fire Rescue and McQuillen’s swift action helped prevent a more devastating outcome. As the restaurant undergoes repairs, the Winter Haven community is rallying around the beloved local establishment, eager for its return.

Customers and staff of Harry's Old Place have expressed their relief that no one was hurt and their commitment to supporting the restaurant during its temporary closure. Long-time patrons are sharing their favorite memories of the restaurant and looking forward to its reopening.

Local businesses have also shown their support, offering assistance with cleanup and repairs. "Harry's Old Place has been a staple in Winter Haven for years," said a local business owner. "We're all here to help in any way we can."

In the meantime, McQuillen and his team are working tirelessly to expedite the repair process. "Our goal is to get back to serving our community as soon as possible," McQuillen stated. "We appreciate everyone's patience and support during this time."

With the strong backing of the Winter Haven community, Harry's Old Place is poised to bounce back quickly and continue its legacy as a beloved dining spot. The resilience and solidarity shown by both the restaurant team and local patrons highlight the tight-knit nature of this community, proving that together, they can overcome any challenge.