Shirley Rummel of the Village of Orange Blossom Gardens had planned to celebrate her 87th birthday on New Year’s Eve at Vic’s Embers.
But fire raged through the popular Leesburg restaurant on Thursday night.
The state fire marshal’s office is investigating the blaze at the venerable 25-year-old restaurant.
Longtime Villagers had a special relationship with Vic’s. It was a popular draw back in the years when The Villages’ restaurant choices were few.
“You could go to Vic’s or stay home,” said Harold Rummel, Shirley’s husband.
They have been Villages residents for 20 years.
The supper club has long been popular with Villagers who were famously shuttled over to the location.
Vic Donahey founded Vic’s Embers in 1988.
The fire appears to have started in the attic area over the kitchen. Flames reportedly shot 10 to 15 feet through the roof. The flames did not make it to the dining room. However, the restaurant suffered smoke and water damage throughout.
Villager Clyde Kemper, 96, said Vic’s was the place to go, particularly before the restaurant business began to take shape in The Villages.
“The food is good. The service is good,” Kemper said. “I sure hope they reopen.”
