Community of Mason City comes together after loss of LD’s Filling Station

(ABC 6 News) – Mason City’s LD’s Filling Station Bar & Grill closed indefinitely Friday morning after a fire broke out Thursday night.

Most consider it a staple of Mason City. It has been family-owned and operated since 2001.

"We had just eaten here that morning for breakfast for my daughter’s birthday, St. Patrick’s Day baby, and we still have leftover boxes in the fridge right now and it’s just weird when something goes away like that," Jason Stone, a resident of Mason City, said. "I’m glad we got to come one more time."

Stone and his family live two houses down from LD’s and he said he now wishes they would’ve gone there more often.

He said the inside of the bar and grill is decorated with lots of old car parts and that he’s even donated some hubcaps and other things over the years.

"A lot of people are very sad that this place has been damaged like this," he said.

But he hopes that maybe they can rebuild it.

One local restaurant is helping out after the loss of the small business.

"I was heartbroken for them," Vickie Lau, co-owner of The Blue Heron Bar and Grill, said. "LD’s has been here a long time and so we just want to show them that we care."

Lau and her husband, Michael, own the bar and grill together. This is their fifth year as owners.

The Blue Heron will be donating part of Saturday’s proceeds to employees of LD’s Filling Station.

"A lot of people want to help do something but don’t really know what to do and so why not come eat and then be helpful as well," Lau said. "Our community is small but mighty and I think that when people are in need we’re pretty strong and united."

But not all hope is lost for Stone and his family.

"The pancakes never had syrup on them so maybe I should freeze them and auction them off for charity and try to help them rebuild," he said.

The Blue Heron will be open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday. Lunch and dinner specials will be available all day. Monetary donations are also being accepted. Proceeds from a purchase of a Blue Heron gift card will also go toward LD’s employees.