Adele's owner discusses hardships, community support and future projects on anniversary of devastating fire
A year ago today, firefighters were called to the historic Adele's restaurant at 5:19 a.m., during a freezing morning before the sun had even crested the hills. It wasn't a large blaze, most of it had actually been confined to the laundry room in the back of the building. But over the next several months while the popular cafe stood empty, it's doors and windows boarded shut, it was determined that the smoke damage to the building was too great to save.
During the past year, owners Charlie and Karen Abowd first fought their insurance company to try to save the building. However, they eventually accepted the fate of their beloved business, and chose instead to retire.
However, the community wanted to save the building which has been around since the 1800s, but just last month it was determined that the building would not be saved despite an outpouring of support and donations from the community, and beyond.
Today, Charlie discussed the hardships of the past year, future plans, and the love the received from the community.
"There's so much going on right now in everybody's lives," said Charlie. "It's going to be a very hard weekend. Tomorrow is Eric's birthday, who we lost in January."
Charlie and Karen's son Eric Abowd passed away suddenly at the age of 39. You can read more about Eric and his life by clicking here.
The community has risen up throughout the past year to support the Abowd family during their heartbreaks, for which Charlie is grateful.
"The immense amount of love and support that the community has shown to our family has not fallen on deaf ears or deaf hearts," said Charlie. "The unbelievable amount of support has been very heartfelt. It helps us get by everyday."
While Charlie has retired now that Adele's property has been sold, that doesn't mean he has wiped his hands clean of the industry altogether. Charlie has been working in restaurants since he was a child, when he helped his father in a restaurant the family first owned in California.
Adele's was first established by Adele and Paul Abowd, Charlie's parents, in 1978, but Charlie and Karen ran it for almost as long as anyone can remember, and created what quickly became both a landmark and a hotspot for gathering and dining within the capital city.
While Adele's has surely ended, Charlie's love of cuisine and Carson City has not. He has a project in the works with "a couple people in Downtown Carson" which he is consulting on.
"I'm helping with the menu and the details of the business that will open sometime after the restrictions are lifted," said Charlie. "Once these unfortunate health issues get settled down and life as we know it resumes, we'll be continuing to work on that project."
As for the building of Adele's, it is unknown at this time when demolition will occur. Plans are in place to expand the Chevron gas station that is currently next door onto the former-Adele's property once the historic building is taken down.
To learn more about the Adele's fire, click here.
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