NORTH BEND, Wash. — For eight days, Mt. Si Tavern closed because of busted pipes.
The bar, celebrating its 101st year in business this year, is in an old building that can't withstand extreme temperatures like western Washington experienced in the past week.
David Wheaton, the thirteenth owner of the local institution, explained the dilemma they faced.
"We kept the water running. We had heaters on, but it being 16 degrees was just too much," Wheaton said.
Wheaton and his partner, Megan McBurney, scrambled to find plumbers that could help with their situation, but ran into several dead ends. The solution, however, had walked through their doors countless times.
"We wouldn't be open right now if it wasn't for our regulars. Our regulars were in here cutting the ground with us," McBurney, the manager, said. "One of our regulars is a plumber and he came and helped out."
This outpouring of supported reminded McBurney and Wheaton what Mt. Si Tavern means to the community.
"This place truly is a community center kept together by a wonderful team of employees and a group of regulars," Wheaton said.
"When people walk in, they know each other. When new people walk in, they're welcomed," McBurney said.
There's still some work to be done, but Wheaton said they would not have been able to reopen over the weekend without the generous support from the community.
"It's been very, very welcoming and heartwarming to have the community come together and make sure we are there or them," he said.
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