TOWN OF BROOKFIELD — Dozens of people living in Waukesha County made a stop at Oscar's Frozen Custard in the Town of Brookfield on Monday.
What they say was the shell of a beloved family restaurant.
"This place is like a second home. I had to stop by and show respect for it because it's truly sad this happened. I hope they're able to rebuild," said Andrew Stevenson, a neighbor who has been eating there since he was seven.
The Town of Brookfield Fire Department Assistant Chief Tony D'Amico told TMJ4 they responded to the incident shortly after midnight Tuesday after a passerby called 911 to report the fire.
"It was engulfed flames on the inside and outside of the roof. My first thought was I wanted to make sure no one was hurt," co-owner Susie Taylor said once she arrived on the scene.
D'Amico said the building was closed at the time and no one was inside, adding the fire was concentrated in the roof area. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Watch: Fire destroys Oscar's Frozen Custard in Town of Brookfield
Seven additional agencies responded to the fire. One firefighter suffered minor injuries and has since been released from the hospital.
"This is one of our Oscar babies. We have a lot of memories here with our kids and the kids' friends. From when they were babies to now married," Taylor recalled through tears.
"We like to see people creating good memories at Oscar’s."
Many of those people on Monday stopped by to share their memories.
"We would go after dance recitals and soccer games with the kids," Linda Fox, another neighbor, said.
"I know the Taylors and I know this is very hard for them. They put their heart and soul into their businesses and I’m really sad for them."
Taylor said they do plan to rebuild.
The Oscar's in Waukesha that caught fire is one of three — the others are in West Allis and Franklin. The Taylors tell TMJ4 you can continue to visit the other locations in support.
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