This year has already been impossible for our small businesses — and that’s what makes last week’s fire that destroyed the Kiss BBQ restaurant in Westfield so hard to swallow.

Employees were in the building putting the finishing touches on the restaurant and preparing food to reopen to the public when the fire broke out. Ryan Marsh, Kiss BBQ owner, has made a plea for donations to help either move or rebuild because the restaurant isn’t sure insurance is going to pay for the damages.

Judging from the Go Fund Me page Marsh set up Wednesday, there are many for whom the Kiss BBQ is a required stop on a visit to Westfield. Such loyalty is one of the endearing things about small communities like ours. Those who appreciate the family-owned business’ efforts should certainly donate if they are able.

Just as important is supporting the Kiss BBQ if and when the business is able to reopen. The novel coronavirus had already placed a huge hurdle in front of the barbecue, and that hurdle is even bigger now.