The charred remains of a well-known business are all that is left in Waterville, near Hartland.

The Covered Bridge Potato Chips production facility burned to the ground on Friday night.

“I think most people are still probably in shock. They’re in the same sort of grief-stricken mode, not to the same degree as the family but just feeling the loss for the community. I expect that we will feel that for a while,” says Hartland Mayor Tracey DeMerchant.

She adds that Hartland is no stranger to fires and has had a few large losses over the years, but they are resilient and bounce back.

“I expect with this community that we will rally around, the Albright family and the employees of the Covered Bridge Potato Chip factory. We will do our best to encourage them and support them during this difficult time,” DeMerchant adds.

(Photo: From Facebook)

A benefit breakfast has been organized for the employees of Covered Bridge that will be held from 8 until 11 a.m. Saturday at the Wesleyan Church in Woodstock.

Admission is by donation with 100 per cent of the proceeds going to the employees.

DeMerchant expects the owners will rebuild, but it could take some time before that happens.

The Covered Bridge Potato Chip factory began production in 2009.