Family-owned Texas restaurant works to feed first responders: 'We're thankful for them'

Janyce Karcher, a lifelong resident of Kerrville, Texas, shared her thoughts with Fox News Digital while she awaited the arrival of her husband, a retired firefighter, at Billy Gene’s. 

“This is the most severe situation we’ve encountered during our whole time living in Kerrville,” Karcher remarked. “Even the significant flood in 1978, which brought almost 20 inches of rain, didn’t cause the level of destruction and devastation we’re witnessing now.”

Karcher has faith that Kerrville will get through the disaster thanks to its “tight-knit community.”

“We are Kerrville strong. We’re gonna overcome this,” Karcher told Fox News Digital.

Debris behind Billy Gene's in Kerrville

Debris from the flood behind Billy Gene’s in Kerrville, Texas, on July 7, 2025. (Rachel Wolf/Fox News Digital)

Smith is familiar with flood-related destruction as well. She pointed out debris behind the restaurant to Fox News Digital, noting a picnic table that wasn’t there before the flood, although it was oddly positioned correctly. Smith mentioned that they are attempting to sort through the items in the debris to return them to their original owners.

While Billy Gene’s was not damaged in the flood, a staff member lost everything. She said Billy Gene’s is providing the employee and her husband with a place to stay and covering their food costs.

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