Roof collapses at iconic Dixie Chicken in College Station

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Thursday, May 28, 2020
Roof collapses at College Station's The Dixie Chicken beer joint
Heavy rains Wednesday proved to be too much for the historic building in College Station's Northgate district.

COLLEGE STATION, Texas (KTRK) -- A well-known watering hole visited by generations of Texas Aggies has a hole in it. A big hole.

Heavy rain caused the roof to collapse at the famous Dixie Chicken beer joint in College Station.

Patrons inside the bar captured the collapse on camera Wednesday night. No one was injured.

"We've read all of the tweets, Facebook messages, and more and feel truly humbled by all of those who care so much about our family's restaurant," Dixie Chicken president Jennifer said in a statement. "Our goal is to open back up as soon as possible and continue to serve Aggies and visitors. With the help of our friends and the community, we'll continue to be here for another 45 years and beyond."

While no people were hurt, no pets were harmed either.

The beer joint's pet rattlesnake, known as Sneaky Snake, kept inside a display habitat was never loose. She was relocated and doing well, according to staff.

Since the early 70's the Dixie Chicken has been a hangout for Aggie students and residents.

Severe weather rolled through the area Wednesday evening dumping heavy rain in the Bryan-College Station area before hitting the Houston area.

College Station firefighters worked throughout the evening to shore up the interior of the building as more rain threatened the structure. While the recovery process began immediately, Twitter was abuzz with concerns over Sneaky Snake as onlookers and Dixie Chicken faithful absorbed the news of the collapse.

"Thinking about if the snake at the Dixie Chicken is okay," wrote one fan.

Rumors of its escape proved to be false. The snake was contained during the entire event, according to staff, but it didn't stop the speculation online.

Late Wednesday, a parody account highlighting the beer joint's mascot popped up on Twitter.

While there was much humor among the disaster, the bar's staff and owners are getting support from customers past and present.

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A GoFundMe account has been established to help with the repairs.