MONROE COUNTY, Pa. — Staff at the Happy Hour Bar and Grill in Stroudsburg are getting ready to serve the lunch crowd.
Chef Oliver is in the kitchen filling orders. But even during the busiest time of the day, on their minds is sous chef Mike.
"He's pretty much here every day; he's a very dedicated worker. He has only been with us for four or five months, but I've known him for years," said Owner Eric Scelza.
Chef Mike has been out of work after his apartment building on Poco Lane near East Stroudsburg was destroyed by flames earlier this month.
One of his neighbors died in that fire. Michael was severely burned trying to get his wife and dog out of the apartment.
"He's doing well now. He's a little sore obviously right now, he had 20% of his body covered in burns, his back neck part of his arm, patches of his head. He is healing well; there is no infection. He was in the hospital for four days," explained Scelza.
Now, the restaurant is doing what they can to help his family during this time.
So far, the restaurant has raised almost $3,000 for him through a fundraiser and a GoFundMe.
"A lot of our local clients here brought in clothes and other stuff because they lost everything, including his car caught on fire, so they pretty much don't have anything at this point. They are staying with his parents to help take care of his wounds, but the community has really rallied around us," said Scelza.
A state police fire marshal has ruled the fire accidental.
The Happy Hour is still collecting donations and is working to plan another fundraiser.