‘Rocks the size of recliners’: Mudslide fills Southern California steakhouse with up to 7 feet of debris
Between four and seven feet of mud filled the Oak Glen Steakhouse and Saloon in Oak Glen, California, thanks to heavy rain that fueled the mudslide.
Mudslide damage to California steakhouse 'shocking to see,' manager says
Manager of Oak Glen Steakhouse and Saloon Brandon Gallegos says the inside of his restaurant was damaged by massive trees and large rocks from the debris flow. Gallegos noted to FOX Weather efforts to excavate all the dirt has been a slow process with the majority of the building suffering impacts.
Oak Glen, CA – On Monday, heavy rains triggered debris flows that swept through the Southern California town of Oak Glen, destroying many homes and businesses.
One of those businesses was the Oak Glen Steakhouse and Saloon, which has been temporarily closed to the amount of damage caused by the storms.
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"It never has been anything to this magnitude at all the whole time," said Brandon Gallegos, manager of the Oak Glen Steakhouse and Saloon. "It's pretty shocking to see."
An aerial shot of a muddy debris flow reaching the rooftop of the Oak Glen Steakhouse and Saloon.
(Brandon Gallegos / FOX Weather)
According to Gallegos, "monstrous trees" and "rocks the size of boulders" barreled into the restaurant, coming through its walls, windows, ceiling and roof.
Mudslides poured into the restaurant, filling it with four to seven feet of mud and debris.
Mud and debris are piled high after heavy rains also triggered debris flows in Forest Falls, just a few miles away from Oak Glen, California.
(Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times / Getty Images)
Gallegos noted that excavating through this debris and clearing out the building is his first priority. From there, he and his team will evaluate next steps based on the damages they can assess.
In the meantime, he focuses his energy on helping his more than 27 employees.
Debris flow off burn scar in Southern California
Video captures a debris flow off a burn scar in Oak Glen, California on Monday. (Credit: @RogerSeheult/Twitter)
"Mother Nature came in real quick, and it changed our lives in an instant," Gallegos said. "So, I don't want to see them in any point suffer in any way, shape or form due to this."
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"We care for this area, and we care for our building, and we care for the staff that we have, and we want to get back as quickly as possible," he added.
To help the employees of Oak Glen Steakhouse and Saloon, check out their GoFundMe page for details.