Some Beavercreek businesses reopen after tornado: What we know now

Some businesses along North Fairfield Road in Beavercreek have reopened a week after the devastating EF-3 tornado ripped apart buildings in this busy commercial sector of the community.

“Everyone who can be open is open,” said Amanda Byers, president/CEO of the Beavercreek Chamber of Commerce. “There are some temporary occupancy permits that are being issued for certain businesses.”

About 20 restaurants remain closed because of extensive damages to their buildings. This includes North Fairfield Road eatery Primanti Bros.

Volunteers helping after tornado destroys Beavercreek farm

Chick-fil-A reopened today, June 6.

>> Beavercreek Chick-fil-A reopens 10 days after tornadoes

“The damage we suffered was significant, which led to a 10-day closure, but what we sustained pales in comparison to some of our neighbors,” a spokeswoman for the Chick-fil-A at 2360 N. Fairfield Road told this news outlet. “We are grateful for all the concern and support we’ve received, but we want to remember those who will be dealing with the aftermath of the tornado for months, or even years, to come.”

City BBQ reopened when power was restored Thursday evening. Manager Jose Garduno said they enjoyed busy times over the weekend, but he expects business will be slow as people continue to clean-up their properties and get their homes repaired.

“We were one of the lucky restaurants,” Garduno said.

Nearby Target reopened Friday, and the store received a milk delivery on Monday, but other cold foods and beverages are not yet available.

Beavercreek Florist, a few blocks south on North Fairfield, was also able to reopen on Friday after getting power restored, as well as phone and internet services.

RELATED: Barr Family Farm is hit by two tornadoes since April 2018

“Being a florist, phone and internet service is pretty important to us,” said owner Tom Hamilton.

Hamilton’s buildings sustained damages to the chimney and windows were blown out of the delivery vehicle. A steel flag pole that was set in concrete and installed last year, was noticeably bent from the tornado’s 140 mph winds.

“It’s going to effect us for quite some time,” he said.

Power has been restored to all but 95 customers in Greene County, and most of those outages are residential, according to DP&L.

Byers said residents need to be aware that scams and bad business deals could become more common as people reach out to contractors for repair work.

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Use local companies and check with the Better Business Bureau as well as the Chamber, Byers advised, to avoid “storm chasers” who may not deliver as promised.

“Residents are starting to reach out to get contractors to get quotes for their homes. The chamber member list is a good place to start,” she said.

County agencies met Monday afternoon to discuss priorities and what each department is working on. Officials said representatives from the Federal Emergency Management Agency this week are expected to visit and assess areas damaged by the tornadoes that struck the Miami Valley on Memorial Day night.

Cases of water are still being handed out to residents. Be Hope Church, 1850 N. Fairfield Road, is designated as a central place for donations and coordinating volunteer efforts.

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