A Thursday night fire gutted the inside of Sunflour Bakery & Eatery, but the business is expected to re-open at a later date.

Good Hope Fire Chief David Scott said the fire was extinguished quickly, but apparently it started long before firefighters were notified.

“The inside is gutted,” Scott said. “The equipment is a total loss, I’m sure they will re-open when they can. They have a good business and worked a little later that evening just to fill a lot of special. They have some good food.”

While the cause is not known at this time, Scott said the fire appears to have started in the center of the restaurant. The investigation is continuing.

Firefighters from Cullman and Good Hope arrived around 7:30 p.m.

Scott said the initial flames were under control in 10 to 15 minutes, then firefighters entered the building to battle hot spots. Firefighters remained on the scene until 10:15 p.m. to guard against potential flare ups.

Located on County Road 222 near the interstate ramp, the business has been serving breakfast and lunch since October 2015, as well as special baked goods.

A Facebook post from Sunflour read:

“For those who do not know we are very heartbroken. There was a fire at the bakery last night. We are closed and not sure when we will reopen. If everyone could just keep all who are affected in your thoughts and prayers. We want to give a huge thank you to ALL first responders who work so hard and diligently to put it out. We also want to thank everyone who has called and sent messages checking on everyone.”