News Summary
Sundae House, a beloved restaurant in Florence, SC, is temporarily closed following an electrical fire on April 25, 2025. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and the quick response of the Florence Fire Department helped contain the blaze. Co-owner Taylor Ryals and his father Deno Cholkas are assessing the damage and hope to reopen within two months. Meanwhile, employees are supporting recovery efforts and a potential food truck concept is being considered to keep the community engaged.
Florence
Sundae House, known as Deno’s Grill, is temporarily closed due to significant damage from an electrical fire that broke out on April 25, 2025. The restaurant, located at 1551 W. Palmetto St., Florence, SC, has been a cherished part of the local community since its establishment in 1949.
The fire began when Taylor Ryals, co-owner and son of the founding owner, noticed sparks emanating from the electrical box, which quickly resulted in smoke filling the premises. Taking quick action, Ryals shut off the power and evacuated the establishment. The swift response from the Florence Fire Department arrived within minutes, successfully containing the blaze in about 25 minutes. Fortunately, no injuries were reported as a result of the incident.
Following the fire, Sundae House is now undergoing assessments to determine the extent of the repairs needed, which will be coordinated through insurance and contractors. Ryals and his father, Deno Cholkas, the restaurant’s owner since 2011, are hopeful to reopen the beloved eatery within the next couple of months, depending on the repair timeline. They project an opening approximately two months from now if conditions allow.
Community Support and Future Plans
During this period of closure, employees at Sundae House are being given opportunities to assist with the repair and cleanup efforts, enabling them to earn work hours. Additionally, those employees are eligible for unemployment benefits while the restaurant is not operating. In a show of community spirit, staff members have initiated a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds to support themselves during the interim.
To maintain its connection with the community, there is a potential plan to operate a food truck featuring a limited menu of popular items from Sundae House while the restaurant undergoes repairs. This would allow loyal customers to continue enjoying their favorite dishes even when the main location is temporarily shut down.
Historical Significance and Community Impact
The Sundae House is not only known for its delicious offerings but also serves as a landmark in Florence. Many locals have shared fond stories and connections to the restaurant, highlighting its sentimental value within the community. Ryals and Cholkas have received numerous anecdotes from patrons that reflect the deep-rooted history and cherished memories associated with dining at Sundae House.
Over the years, the Florence community has rallied behind Sundae House, showcasing strong support during both good times and challenges. This bond is expected to play a vital role in the restaurant’s recovery following the fire. With the sentimental value of the Sundae House’s iconic sign and the involvement of the community, the restaurant aims to rise once again, ready to serve its loyal customers.
As the rehabilitation process unfolds, patrons and residents are encouraged to stay connected, expressing their enthusiasm for the day when Sundae House can once again contribute to the culinary landscape of Florence.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Effingham Implements New Firefighter Accountability System
Electrical Fire Disrupts Florence’s Sundae House
Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Sundae House Reopen Plans
- Wikipedia: Electrical Fire
- WBTW: Sundae House Closure
- Google Search: Sundae House Florence
- WPDE: Firefighters Respond
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Fire Safety
- WHNT: Pets Saved from Fire
- Google News: Sundae House Florence
Author: STAFF HERE FLORENCE WRITER
FLORENCE STAFF WRITER The FLORENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREFlorence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Florence, Florence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Florence Festival of Lights, Pee Dee Pride, and agricultural expos at the Florence Center. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Florence Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Pee Dee Area Council of Governments, plus leading businesses in healthcare and retail that power the local economy such as McLeod Health and Pee Dee Electric Cooperative. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
