The Hideout restaurant in Aptos suffers major damage after fire rips through

UPDATE 05/20/19 4:00 p.m.. Crews are investigating what started an early morning fire that badly damaged The Hideout restaurant in Aptos.

No one was inside or injured, but there is extensive damage.

“Just looking at the heat, smoke and water damage I think the building is going to be a loss. We did pick up a DVR recorder from a security camera which we will have to view later to see if we can see anything from the exterior of the building,” said Fire Marshal Mike DeMars.

To many in the community, the restaurant owners have become like family. Including to the organization, Jacob’s Heart.

Jacob’s Heart helps families of children diagnosed with cancer. Founder, Lori Butterworth, said owners of the Hideout have supported the organization in more ways than one. “It’s hard to describe that kind of generosity. They’re our partners, they’re our friends, they love Jacob’s Heart and they’re part of our Jacob’s Heart community.”

Butterworth said she hopes the community rally’s behind this restaurant the way the restaurant has rallied behind their community.

“They’re teaching the next generation of children to give like they do, we have to rebuild this. At Jacob’s Heart we’re constantly telling people they’re not alone, so I can say to our friends at the Hideout, you’re not alone, we got you.”

A gofundme page has been created to help them rebuild, to donate click here.

PREVIOUS STORY: The Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s office says a fire at an Aptos restaurant has been put out. The Hideout on Soquel Drive caught fire sometime before 5 a.m..

Soquel Drive remains closed from the 9032 block to the Rio Del Mar Boulevard intersection. Right now there is no estimated time for the stretch of road to reopen.

It is unknown if anyone was inside the building at the time of fire. The Sheriff’s Office said it was too early to know the extent of the damage or what caused the blaze.

This is a developing story. Check back later for updates.