Flames shoot from the roof of the Traveler's Restaurant. (Nov. 8, 2012/FOX Carolina)TRAVELERS REST, SC (FOX Carolina) -
The fire that destroyed a popular restaurant in Travelers Rest earlier this month was deliberate, according to Greenville County deputies.
The fire happened Nov. 8 at the Traveler's Restaurant on Highway 25.
A few days later, officials said they had sent samples to a lab to determine if an accelerant had been used in the fire. On Thursday, deputies said those tests revealed that the fire was arson.
SLIDESHOW: Flames burn through restaurant's roof
According to the restaurant's Facebook page, the eatery was established in 1959 and has been family-owned since 1974.
Workers were able to salvage food from the restaurant's freezer, which was donated to a local food bank. The owner told FOX Carolina that the restaurant will be rebuilt.
A fund was set up for the restaurant's employees. Anyone who wants to help can go to any Bank of Travelers Rest branch and make a donation to the Traveler's Restaurant Employee Fund.
Anyone with information about the fire was asked to call Crime Stoppers at 23-CRIME (864-232-7463).
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