Hendersonville restaurant owner grateful for community support after tornado [Video]

HENDERSONVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — This holiday season, a Hendersonville restaurant owner is praising her community for their continued support.

Last December, Jolly Ollie’s, a pizza restaurant and bar, was hit by a devastating tornado. Owner Dilya Knight said it hasn’t been easy to bounce back.

“Everyone during the tornado ran five minutes before it hit to this room because it doesn’t have doors or windows,” Knight said.

Looking back on Dec. 9, 2023, will always be tough for Knight.

“Most damage happened upstairs and in the backyard. Everything was completely destroyed. It was lifted, twisted, and dropped in my backyard,” Knight said.

The tornado wasn’t her only setback.

“My employees were looking at me and said, ‘You’re not even crying.’ I’ve been there so many times. My main concern is everyone is safe and how I can protect my employees for [the] next few months while we rebuild,” Knight said.

Since opening Jolly Ollie’s, Knight has faced several challenges.

“In 2010, there was devastating flooding, …