ST. LOUIS – A beloved neighborhood cafe on South Grand is picking up the pieces tonight after a devastating fire. 

The Gelateria, known for its coffee, pastries and sandwiches, went up in flames Thursday night, leaving owners heartbroken. 

Co-owner Andrew Fair says he and his wife Amanda were notified early Friday morning by neighbors that their business had caught fire.

Fair stated how the flames started in the basement, possibly due to an electrical issue. 

He also noted  that a burst pipe caused two feet of water to flood the basement, making it difficult to determine the exact cause.

Neighboring businesses were forced to close temporarily due to the damage. But a South Grand staple is stepping in to help.

“Steve’s has always been big on fostering community, especially here on South Grand so when we heard something happened at the Gelateria, we decided that we needed to do something to help,” said Joshewa Boyer, general manager of Steve’s Hot Dogs.

Fair says this selfless act means the world to him and his wife.

“It means so much to us that they were able to put that together at a time where we couldn’t even think straight,” Fair said. “Danny threw it together so quick!”

To help out with the cause, Steve’s Hot Dogs is donating 50% of proceeds they make this weekend to help the Gelateria rebuild. 

Staff say the outpouring of support has been overwhelming. 

“This is 50% of their proceeds, not 50% of their profits, which is amazing,” said Chuck Schuder, a customer at Steve’s Hot Dogs. “These are really good corporate citizens!”

Steve’s Hot Dogs says business is up 20 to 30%, with many customers stopping in to support the Gelateria. 

“The outpouring of support that we’ve already received from the community, from local businesses and the neighbors, makes my heart explode, honestly,” Fair said.

Gelateria’s doors remain closed for now, but with the help of the community, it will not be long before they are open once again.

FOX 2 reached out to the St. Louis Fire Department for comment and is awaiting a response. 

The Gelateria owners plan to launch a GoFundMe in the coming days for those who would like to donate and support them. They say it will take at least six months for them to rebuild.