Temple businesses recover from May storms, leading to Oktoberfest cancellation

TEMPLE, Texas (KXXV) — Many West Temple businesses are rebuilding what was lost in May’s severe storms.

Oktoberfest at Temple of the West Cancelled
Storm damage cost city $4.6 million
More than 300,000 cubic meters of debris collected

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Many Temple businesses are still rebuilding what was lost in May’s violent storms, and storm damage even led to the cancellation of West Temple’s annual Oktoberfest.

25 News I spoke to Oktoberfest’s major sponsors and the owners of La Riv Kitchen and Bar and 3 West Alehouse and Grill. They hope to have both businesses reopened by December.

Oktoberfest, which brings in thousands of dollars to the community, was canceled this year due to storm damage earlier in the year.

“Thankfully, it didn’t totally devastate us – we’re able to come back bigger and stronger with a renovated restaurant that’s been around for 10 years,” said Tony Strauss, West Temple Oktoberfest sponsor.

“We’re going to make it even better than it was.”

Jeremiah’s Italian Ice is one of the lucky local businesses that didn’t suffer as much damage to the exterior of its building, but its neighbors can’t say the same.

“Just seeing the damage and the devastation over and over again every day, seeing the dark area at night – it’s always dark when you come here, it’s a little depressing,” said Jeremiah’s Italian Ice owner Lynn Reichl.

Reichl says sales have been different since the heavy rains, including the tornado that hit Temple.

Despite a drop in business, she says she is grateful to those who continue to come to her store.

“Other businesses in the area opened new locations very quickly,” Reichl said.

Businesses all depend on each other to serve the community.

“There was a children’s physiotherapy centre nearby and patients would come in afterwards,” Reichl said.

Reichl, Strauss and other business owners look forward to the day when they can finish picking up the pieces.

“I miss normalcy – this whole year hasn’t been normal since May,” Reichl said.

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