Help Support Community Restaurant

 In Spring of 2020 Barry Elzinga and his family made a life changing decision and commitment to purchase Zeeland’s Community Restaurant from longtime owner Lyle Van Klompenberg.

 Little did they or any of us know that soon they would be facing the biggest challenge of their lifetime. Covid hit us all in ways that nobody could have predicted.

 Like all business owners, they journeyed through the next couple of years doing what they had to do to keep their new business operating during this very challenging time.

 The beginning of April, 2022, they celebrated that they had successfully navigated and survived through the pandemic. In fact, Barry enjoyed the most successful week he had in his short time of being a restaurateur. He was optimistic and excited about the future. 

 It was the beginning of the following week when he was unknowingly thrust into yet a much larger threat to his business.

 On April 12, the iconic and long time mainstay of Zeeland, Community Restaurant, suffered a devastating fire. The decades-old restaurant was declared a total loss.

 Over the many years the restaurant has been in operation, everyone from the employees to the customers, has grown to become not just friends and coworkers, but a big family; one of the heartbeats of our small town.

 Zeeland Marketing Director, Abby deRoo, speaking to the Holland Sentinel said, “The restaurant stood on East Main as an anchor to the downtown district, and community members and visitors came to rely on the familiar landmark. The volume of meals served and memories made over the past decades is immeasurable and will be cherished.”

 Barry and his family are beyond devastated for this loss and what it means for all their loyal employees. For many of the employees this has been not just their job, but their livelihood, their life.

 They are forever thankful no one was injured in the fire and are grateful for all the support the community has already given.

There have been many who have expressed sorrow for the loss and asked how they can help. Please join us in showing our continued support for this treasured eatery through your contributions, encouragement and prayers.

 This fundraiser will ease some of the heavy burden Barry is feeling. A percentage of the contributions will go to their employees to help get them back on their feet. The remaining donations will go for future plans.

 Hopefully they will be able to rebuild and come back stronger than ever. And then we can all make new traditions and memories while enjoying a delicious slice of their famous pies!