Pocono News Section

Snyder County Ice Cream Shop Destroyed by Fire

Snyder County Ice Cream Shop Destroyed by Fire - Tuesday, November 18, 2008 at 4:40PM EST

Reported by: Jeremy Deebel
Tuesday, Nov 18, 2008 @ 04:40pm EST
Beaver Springs, Snyder County-

Investigators say the fire that destroyed a central Pennsylvania ice cream shop does not appear suspicious. But police still want to hear from anyone who may have witnessed the blaze.

Not much remains where the Bread of Life Creme Stop used to stand. The Christian-themed restaurant was gutted by flames early Tuesday morning.

Employee Justin Hertzler said, "I'm totally devastated. I got the call at 2 o'clock this morning and called my boss. I was the first one to let him know actually. It was one of the hardest things I ever did."

The owners say they were immediately leery of how the fire started because, as the sign out front says, the restaurant has been closed for the season for a few weeks now.

Investigators say the blaze ignited in the back of the business, near a floor-mounted gas heater. There were no signs of forced entry, and nothing they found points to arson.

Nicholas Spece owns the ice cream shop. Friends say this tragedy couldn't have struck a more generous person.

Hertzler noted, "Nick has the biggest heart I've ever known. His goal for this place was to be able to serve the community. And that was his dream ever since he started the restaurant."

We found Nick keeping busy at his family's other business, a restaurant in McAlisterville.

He explained, "It's just something as a family we enjoy helping people and serving the community, and it's just a great job. It's not for everyone, but we truly enjoy it."

The ice cream shop fire caused about $100,000 in damages. Nick says he does have insurance, but hasn't decided whether he’ll rebuild.

Spece added, "We'll see where God leads us. At this point, we just don't know."

Again, state police would like to hear from anyone with information about this morning's fire in Snyder County.