Ryan Marsh and his father, Joe Marsh, own KISS Barbeque and plan to get back up and running as soon as possible.

“Our goal is to rebuild right where it’s at,” Ryan Marsh said. “We’re down there everyday for hours, working on as much as we can. The outpouring of support from the community has taken us aback.”

The community, including those all the way from Erie, Pa., to those in Canada have raised over $6,000 so far to support the rebuild. “We have an amazing community, full of spirit and generosity, the likes of which we have never seen,” Ryan Marsh said. “We don’t know any other way to do it, and it wouldn’t and will not be possible without every single one of you, for which we are forever grateful.”

Ryan Marsh and his father explained that their passion is to cook.

Fire crews from Westfield and Portland responded to the KISS Barbecue blaze. P-J file photo by Natasha Matteliano

“We’re doing everything in our power to do this,” he said. “We don’t know what it looks like yet, but we’ll be back, we’ll be there eventually.” Donations and support from the community have made this dream to rebuild a reality for the father and son duo.

Last Sunday, July 19, Pastor Vinnie and the men from Lakeshore Assembly of God along with Fred Forsythe, Julie and Denny, Mr. Jimmy, and Joann Love Lewis and her husband volunteered their help.

There are many ways for those who wish to support KISS Barbeque. Their GoFundMe donation page is located at https://GoFundMe.com/f/kiss-bbq and they have a PayPal account set up under rayn813@gmail.com. The duo have also set up a donation account at Southern Chautauqua Federal Credit Union, under KISS BBQ Donations. Others who wish to volunteer their time can reach Joe and Ryan at 410-3081.

“We truly appreciate all of your continued support as we try and navigate through these difficult times,” Ryan Marsh said.