Owner Luretta Wilson held back tears watching crews tear down the building. “The feelings are just like a big part of you is gone,” Wilson told Fox 4.

The storms hit Pine Island so hard this season that fixing the damaged building wasn’t possible. Crews had to demolish everything down to the foundation.

Over 30 years of serving fresh seafood and home cooking, the restaurant became known for two fan favorites — their rich, creamy chowder and sweet, flaky pies.

“It was our little place in the world,” said Rachel Wilson, who grew up helping her mother in the kitchen. “I loved every customer that came in here, you know, without them, we’re nothing.”

Since 1993, the small waterfront spot attracted hungry customers from all over Lee County. Good food and friendly service turned newcomers into regulars.

While the restaurant is now empty, the family’s cooking lives on. Their Facebook page helps them stay connected, letting loyal customers still order those favorite pies and hot bowls of chowder.