LINCOLN SQUARE — Following a fire that tore through Lincoln Square Lanes and Matty K's Hardware on Monday, the bowling alley has turned to crowdfunding to help tide over employees while they look for work elsewhere.
The GoFundMe site has set a goal of $50,000 and has received more than $1,600 in donations since Tuesday.
"The insurance claim is a very lengthy process and we would like to make sure our staff is taken care of right away," Lincoln Square Lanes posted to its Facebook page.
Both the bowling alley and hardware store are total losses, with the building, 4874 N. Lincoln Ave., slated for demolition.
"We cannot yet promise a second LSL will take its place but these funds will help to restore the LSL [families'] faith and aid them in paying a bill while they search for a new job," the GoFundMe page states.
Matty K's owners Matt and Laura Kollar are still contemplating next steps.
"We do not know the answer to the big questions yet," the couple said via Facebook. "As we finalize the details of our game plan, we'll keep you posted."
No one was injured in the fire, which may have been been caused by a grill, according to fire officials.
The bowling alley dates back to 1918, with Lincoln Square Lanes owned by the Drehobl family for the last 30 years. Matty K's opened in 2011.
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