Handy Ace Hardware Will Be Rebuilt, Owners Say

Joe Smith, co-owner of Handy Ace Hardware, has made it official: the store will rise from the ashes after Friday's huge fire.

"Yes, we are planning to rebuild, bottom line," said Smith yesterday, speaking to a reporter from CBS Atlanta.

An outpouring of support from the Tucker community for the store and its staff has taken Smith by surprise. "What makes our business is our employees. I mean, that's what everyone knows and the community is concerned about, so that's pretty special in itself," said Smith.

That spirit was evident again on Wednesday as local restaurants pitched in to feed workers clearing the site. Anita Stoltzfus posted on her Tucker Town Talk Facebook page: "Hats off to the Tucker Community! Positive news in the midst of the Ace Hardware fire sadness: Longhorn provided lunch for Ace on Monday. Roly Poly was providing lunch today. Chick-Fil-A at Tucker Station called me to see how they can help out. Greater Good is hosting a fundraiser on Thursday, Jan. 10. Thanks, y'all for your positive, pro-active spirit of community!"

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