Aztecas in Gautier works to rebuild after tornado; hopes to open early next year
GAUTIER, Miss. (WXXV) — Aztecas Restaurant and Cantina in Gautier is working to rebuild after a tornado ripped through the restaurant in late October. Just weeks later, the demolition process is well underway.
“We have been working non-stop, trying to demolish everything that was damaged while we are waiting for permits and drawings from the engineers to start rebuilding,” said Owner Orlando Godoy. “It is quite a big project. It’s going to take at least three to four months to finish.”
The restaurant released a statement a few weeks after the disaster, thanking the community for their unconditional support during this challenging time. They also noted that this is not a goodbye, but a see you soon.
“You have no idea how many messages we have received. How many people have stopped by just to see how we’re doing. It’s had a big impact on us. It has definitely get your spirit up again,” said Godoy.
The restaurant has come a long was in the past few weeks following the storm. WXXV’s Megan Fayard was at the restaurant just moments after the EF-1 tornado blew through.
Two weeks ago, debris was scattered across the outside patio and walls were crumbled. Now, the front brick walls and Aztecas sign are gone, along with everything else that used to make the space special.
The ceiling in the kitchen was left hanging, as it collapse while workers were preparing for the restaurant’s 11 a.m. opening. Now, the kitchen is nearly empty, holes in the ceiling are covered by tarps, and some sections of the roof are completely gone.
Through it all, Godoy and the Aztecas team are grateful for the love and support they have received, which has motivated them to continue building back.
“It’s like a fuel to do this. It’s amazing how this community has supported our team,” Godoy said.
The popular Gautier restaurant is now unrecognizable, but their team is working tirelessly to get it back up and running. They hope to open their doors and welcome the community back inside by spring of next year.
The October 26 tornado also affected around 10 homes in the community and an apartment complex and condominium.
Gautier Mayor Casey Vaughan says the city has transitioned to the Jackson County Long-Term Recovery Committee, and the few cases they received have since been closed.
At this time, no applications for permits have been submitted for the multi-family complexes.
According to Mayor Vaughan, Riverbend Apartments still has nine units without power. They are waiting for an insurance adjuster to send an engineer to the property to make the necessary repairs.
If you need recovery assistance, call 228-497-8000 ext. 314.
“Our thoughts and prayers remain with all those affected by the tornado. Gautier is a strong, resilient community, and together we will continue to move forward in recovery and in support of our neighbors,” said Mayor Casey Vaughan.
