Worth Co. community rallies around owners of Poulan’s Ed’s Truckstop restaurant after devastating fire

POULAN, Ga. – On Sunday, Ed’s Truckstop here in Poulan was destroyed during a fire. Now, just over 48 hours later, the Worth county community is rallying to help the owners.

Owner Gail Lee showed us the inside of Ed’s Tuesday afternoon, the smell of ash still in the air following Sunday’s fire.

Gail and family property owner, Ed Souter spoke with us about the next steps as they and their employees pick up the pieces.

“We’re down right now. We are waiting to speak with our insurance adjusters to see what’s going to happen. Don’t count us out. We’re gonna come back. We’re gonna be stronger than we were and everything…” said Gail Lee, owner, Ed’s Truckstop.

Thankfully, nobody was hurt in the fire, but the restaurant did not fare well.

But, within a matter of hours, a GoFundMe was set up to help out the owners and the employees.

And, on Tuesday morning, they passed the $10,000 goal.

In the meantime, the Worth County Chamber says other local businesses have stepped up to help Gail.

“…But, almost every single restaurant in Worth county has reached out to her to offer their kitchens that she can work out of and everything that they can keep going. It’s amazing what our community has done in this disaster to get her up and running again,” said Karen Rackely, President, Sylvester-Worth County Chamber of Commerce.

“Everybody here’s been overwhelmed by the people wanting to give back, wanting to help and clean up. Just different things; everybody’s been reaching out…” said Ed Souter, Family property owner, Ed’s Truckstop.

But, in addition to helping Gail and Ed out in their time of need, the two owners wanted to thank the community to come together not just for supporting them…

But, their employees as well.

“The community’s support for my employees, that’s been heartbreaking right there, because they depend on this place. This is how they survive, day-to-day, week-to-week,” said Lee.

And, while the outpouring of support across Worth county has been nothing new, it’s still harrowing in their time of need.

“It’s heartwarming. It’s emotional to say the least. But, in Worth county, we’ve always come together like that,” said Lee.

While Gail and Ed are confident they’ll be back here soon enough, they’re thankful to the first responders who helped put out the fire and the community for coming together.

If you would like to donate to help out Ed’s Truckstop, you can find a link to the GoFundMe here: Fundraiser by Josh Gordon : Helping those that Help (gofundme.com) or you may contact the Sylvester-Worth County Chamber of Commerce at 229-776-7718.

Brian Roche reporting.

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