Employees work around the clock to reopen a Manchac seafood restaurant known for its catfish.
Middendorf's owner Horst Pfeifer says he was totally caught off guard by the amount of water the restaurant took on, and just how quickly that water came in.
"I've been in Colorado whitewater rafting... that's how the water came in here, unbelievable," Pfeifer explained.
Less than a week ago, Middendorf's restaurant was inundated with several feet of water. Although the restaurant has flooded before, Pfeifer says he was not expecting this from Isaac.
In all, about four feet of water made its way into the restaurant. Destroyed were the wood floors and some sections of wall in the older part of the restaurant. The newer portion, just renovated about a year ago, stayed dry, thanks to the fact that it's built higher off the ground. Also gone are countless supplies, drinks and food products.
But Pfeifer isn't the only one in Manchac cleaning up after Isaac. There are also a handful of homes that took on water.
James Sanders says the water came in so quickly, he and his family had only minutes to throw whatever they could into a backpack before leaving. He says he'll probably move away from Manchac because of this ordeal, saying, "My wife doesn't want to come back... she's had enough."
But over at Middendorf's, Horst Pfeifer is determined to reopen his doors, and soon. Pfeifer says he wants to reopen not only to make money and provide food to nearby residents, but also to help his employees.
"Middendorf's is not all about Horst and Karen Pfeifer. It's also about 65 families who make a very good living off of this place and that's why I push so hard," Pfeifer said.
Pfeifer hopes to be back open Wednesday September, 12. He says it'll take a lot of work, but with the help of all of his employees, it's something he feels can be done.
Isaac hits Middendorf's
