It's been nearly eight months since the Eaton Fire ripped through Altadena displacing thousands and destroying nearly 10,000 structures, including the home of local chef, Tyler Wells.
"A guest that sat here left and came back and he was like Tyler you need to come look at this fire outside and you could see right over the block here the fire." Betsy Chef/Owner, Tyler Wells said.
But Bernee, Tyler's restaurant survived, which now reopens as Betsy this weekend. Renamed in honor of his late mother, he says it's his staff and the community that kept the dream alive.
"Time went by a lot of it had to do with this crew and I would get texts and calls like hey I don't ever want to work at another restaurant we should reopen." Wells said.
"I think it's just a family, we've all been in different restaurants the eclectic crew that we have it's back together it's a special community and we've created a family and it's just love and excitement in this restaurant we're so excited to be a part of this again." Betsy server, Tom Oakes said.
Betsy is now home to the team, and the community that never left Wells' side. Their first official service is Saturday at 5 pm.
"It's always been about community it's always been about people, our team, but it goes so much deeper. Having spent this summer on a farm I was so invested in agriculture before, but I'm so much deeper into it I think the mission is just to do good. This is a hurting community and I got through my hurt fortunately and I'm in a good position to give again."
Bus pull event held in Altadena to raise money for Eaton Fire victims
Wells says reopening now even before the neighborhood is fully rebuilt is his way of helping lead recovery. As he puts it, this isn't about the food, it's about community and finding purpose in the aftermath.