ORLANDO, Fla. — Iconic Orlando restaurant Beefy King reopened its doors to hundreds of dedicated fans Wednesday, a week after it was forced to close because of a suspected arson fire.

Just a few days ago, the restaurant on Bumby Avenue east of downtown Orlando showed evidence of smoke, water, and electrical damage.

But on Wednesday, it was back in business, and the owners said they wouldn’t have been able to do it without those they’ve served for decades.

Contractors offered to do work. The city of Orlando sped up inspections. And customers were waiting in line before the restaurant even opened.

"We’ve been here 51 years, and we’re a family. Orlando is part of our family, really," Beefy King co-owner Roland Smith said.

Dan St. Pierre was the first in line. He's been coming to Beefy King since he was a child.

"When I heard about the fire, being out of business.... As a small business owner myself and a family business, I know how important those days can be.  So having reopened, I wanted to show my support," St. Pierre said.

It was just last Tuesday when investigators say John Huff started a fire in the back of the restaurant. He has been charged with arson. It is unclear why the 36-year-old man set the fire.

Firefighters contained the fire quickly, but it left smoke and water damage inside the restaurant, and the owners said they had to replace most of the food.

Owners said they had survived natural disasters and other problems in the restaurant's 51 years, but this was the first arson fire they've had to deal with.

They weren't sure whether they would be ready in time to open Wednesday, working late the night before to make it happen.

"All the people involved with helping us get back to where we are now has just been unbelievable," Smith said.