Kerrville restaurant owner says community rushed to help her flooded business

KERRVILLE, Texas (KXAN) — As the recovery efforts from the deadly Texas flash floods enter their sixth day, the full impact of the disaster is still coming into focus.

One Kerrville business owner is grappling with the reality that her restaurant was almost totally submerged.

Catalina Valdez owns 1011 Bistro in Kerrville, an upscale dining experience right on the Guadalupe River. Valdez said she never thought her business — a three-story establishment that looks over the river — could be submerged.

"The water here got to like four feet, up to the tables, and it was all destroyed," Valdez said.

Valdez said the restaurant keeps its inventory of food and wine as well as its AC units and other essential components in the lowest level. Because the water completely submerged the bottom two floors, all of it was destroyed.

The bistro's website now displays a message at the top, reading: "We will be closed until further notice due to extensive flood damage. No phone, for any communication please reach us at valdestomas@hotmail.com."

The community quickly moved to help in an overwhelming way. Valdez said employees, ex-employees, friends, family and the community at-large all showed up to clean the next day.

"I cannot describe ... we know there's community and people, but we didn't think this much," Valdez said. "Everyone seems to be oddly in good spirits."

Anyone wanting to help can show up or connect with the Bistro on Facebook, Valdez said. While much of the restaurant's property may not be saved, she still said it is nothing compared to the devastating loss of life in the region.

"I know this is big for us, but it's nothing compared to all that's happened up there in the town and the camp," Valdez said.