Beloved Avery County cafe fighting to reopen after Helene [Video]

NEWLAND, N.C. (WBTV) – Since the 1960s, SanDees Café has been serving food to downtown Newland.

“It’s referred to as the heart of Newland,” said Co-owner John Moore.

The heart of a community that faces destroyed bridges, water damage, and road closures. Helene took a lot from the community – including SanDees Café.

“Everything was underwater. We had a window that busted out in the front of the building. Washed everything out the back door.

“The entire shopping center in downtown Newland is closed – most of the parking lot gone – and piles of debris have been pulled from buildings,” said Moore.

Avery County Sheriff Mike Henley said, “It’s the worst I’ve ever seen it.”

[1 week after flood, riverside homeowners pledge to stay; others decide to move, for good]

Henley and crews at the Emergency Operations Center were still working rescues and delivering supplies to folks Monday

“We’re …