Lightning strikes downtown business

Storms caused a scare for Rail & Rye, as the business suffered a direct lightning strike during overnight storms Dec. 10-11.

Rail & Rye owner Chris Tucker said there was substantial damage, but it could have been worse. Initial damage assessed includes three air-conditioning condenser control boards that were fried, the ice machine was lost and in there was damage to the IT infrastructure. 

Tucker also owns Navasota WiFi and those services were temporarily knocked out as well. He said the infrastructure on Farquhar and Railroad Street had a total of four switches, two routers, and a radio damaged.

Overall Tucker is grateful. He stated the restaurant closed Sunday so damages could be assessed but will resume regular hours this week. The restaurant is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. “We have a busy holiday season hosting several parties at Rail & Rye, so we are thankful we can continue to remain open,” explained Tucker. He was also grateful to restore internet services to his clients in a timely manner.