Fire, Wrecking Ball Claim Landmark Southern Indiana Eatery

A landmark southern Indiana restaurant that was damaged by fire has been torn down after 50 years in business.

Former employees and Mayor Mike Moore watched Wednesday as Jerry’s eatery was razed. The News and Tribune reports the restaurant was built in 1963 and has been in the Moore family’s hands since then.

Moore bought the restaurant from his parents in 1995 but sold it when he became mayor. He retained the property rights, but the new restaurant operator canceled insurance on the building in February.

The March 21 fire caused more than $200,000 in damage, and Moore said it was too much to overcome.

The property is likely to become home to another restaurant. Moore is in discussions with Waffle House to purchase part of the property.