“It is heartbreaking to see something like this happen,” said January Thapa.
January Thapa came downtown Monday afternoon to snap some pictures and remember what used to be at 11th and Howard Streets.
“My husband and I would celebrate our anniversary there year after year,” said Thapa.
Thapa wanted to show her two-year-old son Leo the spot that brought his family so much joy.
“He will never know all the good times that we had in the restaurant,” said Thapa.
One spectator described Monday’s scene as a wake, everyone was mourning a piece of Omaha’s history.
“It just isn't going to be the same,” said one Omaha resident.
The building may be gone, but the memories live on. The community has now gathered around the people who made the spots at 11th and Howard so special.
“I posted this on Facebook for anyone who was affected by the blast,” said Chris Hatcher.
Chris Hatcher who lives and works near the explosion took to Facebook to invite everyone affect to breakfast Sunday morning.
“You know just with the close knit family of the Old Market, I think everyone will pull through and help each other out, that’s a good thing,” said Hatcher.
On Monday, employees from the Old Market Embassy Suites brought coffee to firefighters.
A crowdfunding page started by The Tavern bar in the Old Market has already raised close to $5000. Even those outside of the Old Market are pitching in.
“It's not so much just restaurants in the Old Market, we are all a family all the way around the city,” said Zach Ferguson the General Manager of Corkscrew Wine & Cheese in the Blackstone District.
