Former Landmark Wayne County Restaurant Building Destroyed by Fire

On Memorial Day, Monday, May 25, 2026, at approximately 9:30 p.m., Ovilla Volunteer Fire Department (Station 9) responded to a reported structure fire at 2381 Lawrenceburg Highway, the location of the old E&E Food & Spirits. Ed Sesler, who owned and operated the business with his wife Liz for many years, put the restaurant on the map with its great food and welcoming vibe. The Seslers’ living quarters were located in the sprawling and easily recognizable two-story building as well. Sadly, Ed and Liz are both now deceased, and it has been reported that the building was recently sold at auction.

Ovilla VFD firefighters were assisted at the scene by firefighters from Station 7-Topsy, Station 1-Waynesboro, Henryville Fire Department, West End Fire Department, and Box 50-Lawrence County. Firefighters remained on scene until around 2:30 a.m. in an effort to contain and extinguish the fire but were reportedly called back out multiple times over the next 24 hours as the fire reignited.

Wayne County EMA Director Brian Smith stated there is an ongoing investigation into the cause of the fire, with no details released to the public at this time. The building has been declared a total loss.