Old Orange Cafe Back in Business One Month After Ike

Three feet of water filled the Old Orange Cafe after Ike came to visit.

The Orange Chamber of Commerce says more businesses are up and running, just over a month after the hurricane, because they know the value of getting back to work.

The cafe was built to withstand the flood.

It's back to business at the Old Orange Cafe just one month after hurricane Ike.

"It didn't click that it was actually the one month anniversary till the week before. Then I thought, that's suitable," says David Claybar, the owner of the Old Orange Cafe.

David Claybar says volunteers and workers have been cleaning since they found about three feet of water inside the building.

"To say September 15th was one of the most discouraging days, October 13th was very encouraging," says Claybar.

Claybar admits he had his doubts while replacing tables and chairs, salvaging coolers and hanging pictures about opening so quickly. But he says there's one good thing about this old building.

"I'm very fortunate this building was designed to be full of water," says Claybar.

That's because the Old Orange Cafe was built as a dairy in the 1940's. Claybar says they would fill this room with water each day, and drain it through the floor.

"This structure's going no where. Steel frames and concrete walls and it's stood the test of time. It's always going to be here," says Claybar.

And Claybar says being here for the customers is his number one priority.

"We have a core group of customers that do depend on us for our quality service and food," says Claybar.

That's what's needed in a recovering community.

Thursday, the Chamber of Commerce in Orange is having its first breakfast networking meeting since hurricane Ike.

The 7:30 a.m. meeting will let business owners share stories and get things rolling again. It will be held at the chamber.