'We stick together': Community rallies after fire destroys beloved Muskego lakeside restaurant 

WATERFORD, Wis. (CBS 58) -- After a fire destroyed Bass Bay Brewhouse in Muskego Friday morning, Dec. 12, local restaurants are stepping in to support the family-owned business and its employees.

Christopher Dzik, owner of The Cruise Pizza Kitchen, said it hit him hard.

“It was devastating to me” he said.

A group of restaurants is banding together to support Bass Bay Brewhouse, and The Cruise Pizza Kitchen is among them. One hundred percent of the proceeds from its garlic bread sticks will be donated to Bass Bay Brewhouse and its employees.

Dzik added, “We’re all good people here, we all want to help out. It’s devastating to the family and businesses so it’s going to a good cause.”

Ten minutes down the road, Rivermoor Golf Club and Restaurant is also showing support. The restaurant is donating proceeds from its peppermint martini all week to employees affected by the fire. 

Bar manager Presley Kennicott said the impact hits close to home. “It’s devastating especially for us that work in the service industry. You depend so much on the hours you work and around the holidays,” she said.

One customer, Lisa Pagac, said she doesn’t usually order martinis, but made an exception knowing her order would help those in need.

“I was so sad when I heard about the fire and during the whole day I just kept thinking about the poor family during the holidays and what they have to go through and I am so happy that I can contribute to that fund,” she said.

Moments like this, she added, bring the community together. “We’re a community and we stick together and I think that’s what it’s all about,” Pagac said.

Dzik said he hopes the support continues.

“I would hope that people out there would do the same for us if we had a devastating fire like that,” he said.