‘Is this a sign from God?’: Family-owned Nebraska restaurant damaged by storm

GILEAD, Neb. (KLKN) – Gilead is a village with a population of a mere 31 people, but it’s the home of a beloved family-owned restaurant.

Late Friday night, storms caused serious damage to Pioneers Inn.

Karen Keilwitz, the owner, said she was out walking when her friend asked her if she’d seen the roof of the business.

“I looked over here and went, ‘Oh my goodness, oh my gosh,'” she said.

Strong winds had ripped almost the entire roof off.

“It is unbelievable,” Keilwitz said. “I just couldn’t come to terms with it. I think I was in shock all day Saturday.”

Pioneers Inn has been the Keilwitz family’s restaurant for 37 years.

And it’s where Karen and her husband raised their children and made memories.

“It’s my main source of income,” she said. “It’s kind of been my baby since I got it.”

The restaurant is closed until further notice, as the interior also has water damage.

For now, Keilwitz is serving morning coffee and lunch in the town hall across the street.

“It’s just like, ‘What do I do now?'” she asked. “Is this a sign from God? Am I supposed to keep this place going? Am I supposed to pitch it all in?”

Keilwitz said they’re waiting to see how much it’s going to cost to fix the roof and if her insurance will cover it.

But she really wants to save the building, which is much more than a business to her.

“It’s kind of like home away from home. It’s so much community,” she said. “It’s a landmark, it’s one of the oldest buildings in Gilead that’s still left standing. You know, I’d hate to see it crumble to the ground.”

Keilwitz said the morning after the storm, at least 20 people came to help clean up as much as they could.

Despite the setback, she said finding community in the rebuilding process is what’s helping her get through this difficult time.