SEATTLE — As Bud Goodwin prepares to reopen Rising Sun Produce, he's been filled with gratitude.
"We wouldn't have been able to even think about it if it wasn't for the community and our landlord," Goodwin said.
In February, a fire forced Goodwin to close his produce market, which had been open since 1979. While the fire never made it inside the building, the heat scorched fruits, vegetables, and other perishables. The rest of the building was a mixed bag, but one thing was certain: they could not stay open.
"It was hard not to break down in tears because we've been around so long," he said.
Through tears came hope. Goodwin said his landlord covered the renovation costs. Community members also helped them surpass a GoFundMe fundraising goal. Those efforts, combined with the work put in by his employees, have allowed for the produce market to reopen.
"The support was immediate from the community and it was like, we just have to do our best to try. Then, the landlord came through and we got to do it. The 22nd, that's when we're going to do it," Goodwin said.
Virgil Goodwin said he's gone through the same emotional turmoil his father has experienced. However, this experience has brought him a better understanding of the legacy his father has created, a legacy he's carrying on.
"You kind of know you're loved in the community but until something like this happens, you don't really know what you mean to everybody. It feels great," Virgil said.
To thank the community for its support, Rising Sun Produce is throwing a restoration party. It's happening Aug. 18 from 12-5 p.m. at 6329 15th Ave NE. The grand reopening is set for Aug. 22, when they'll return to normal operating hours, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
As for how the fire started, Goodwin said the Seattle Fire Department told him it was arson. However, he doesn't think it was on purpose. Since it was February, Goodwin believed a homeless person was trying to stay warm, and the fire got out of control.