A local family is asking for your help after an electrical fire destroyed their long-time business.
On Saturday, the popular Geier's Sausage Kitchen in Sarasota will hold an event to raise money for their employees impacted by the tragedy.
The fire sparked in the early morning hours on Jan. 21.
"It completely destroyed our building. It got up into the ceiling and spread quickly," said Operating Manager Nakita Chadwick.
Now, the family has learned they will need to gut the entire building. It could be closed for at least a year.
"Now, we start meeting with the demolition crew to get it emptied before a general contractor can come out and give us the next step," said Chadwick.
On Saturday, they will hold an employee benefit cookout. All proceeds will help their former workers as they look to find new jobs. The event will be from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. They will sell bratwurst, knockwurst, frankfurters and one pound packages of their best sellers.
"We hate to say goodbye, so we're trying to give a last hoorah for everybody," said Chadwick. "Some employees have been here for 30 years so everyone's like family."
The event will be held right outside the original building at 7447 S Tamiami Trail.
