By admin 
LEXINGTON, N.C. (WGHP) — The owners of Shoto’s Japanese Steakhouse and Seafood and the Candy Factory are forced to put their emotions aside and figure out what’s next after a fire ripped through their buildings Tuesday morning.
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Stephanie Huynh’s family owns Shoto’s Japanese Steakhouse and Seafood Restaurant.
Business Owner Shares Grief
“Surely it’s not as bad as they say it is, but it was. I got here yesterday around 2 o’clock just to see the complete emptiness of the building,” Huynh said.
Huynh says the reality of the situation hasn’t fully set in.
“Seeing the blue sky through the windows is the biggest thing for me right now. That’s bothering me because that’s not supposed to be there,” Huynh said.
Huynh says most of her time was spent in the four walls with her family, creating a family legacy and long-term stability for their family.
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She explains that every paycheck that supports her immediate family comes from their business.
Mayor Confident Businesses Will be Back
Lexington Mayor Jason Hayes says he has no doubt that the two businesses destroyed and two others damaged by smoke and water will be able to bounce back.
“One of the things that is also important about the people that live here in Lexington and the people that run small businesses is that they’re incredibly resilient. They’re committed to having a successful business. They’re committed to being an active part of the community,” Hayes said.
Huynh says she doesn’t know what will come next, but they are certain that they will rebuild.
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