“Financially, we do need help.”: Doc’s Diner seeks community support after fire closure

Tomorrow will mark one month since the beloved Doc’s Diner in Loves Park has been closed after a fire, and is now asking the community for help.

“I was very, very depressed,” said owner Ronald Krepfle.

The diner sits quietly and is empty after a fire in the ventilation system shut it down in August. 

“It’s just a matter of time till things get straightened out financially. But in the meanwhile, we don’t have income, and the bills don’t stop coming in,” explained Krepfle. 

The fire caused $30,000 in damage. Krepfle said his insurance company won’t cover the repairs. 

“They feel that anything that’s above the ceiling tiles should be the landlord’s responsibility, and of course, the landlord didn’t cause the fire,” shared Krepfle.

Local friends set up a GoFundMe page for both Krepfle and his wife to help cover the costs. 

“Financially, we do need help. My employees they have families that depend on them to come in and work and make a good wage. People come in to see us; they’re friends and family. When you don’t see them on a regular basis, you miss them, said Krepfle.

Krepfle said he has hope the diner will once be the way it was again.

“I shouldn’t say majority, all of our customers are amazing. Their friends and family, so we have a lot of good support.

To help both owners, visit their GoFundMe page