By SANDY McGEE

CUMBERLAND — Like the fictional denizens of Bedford Falls coming together to rescue George Bailey, the help of dozens has convinced one local   businessman that it's truly a wonderful life.

Scads of friends, family members and loyal patrons have filed into Everybody's Favorite Family Restaurant in the past few days to offer their help and support to the restaurant's owners.
“You wouldn't believe how many calls we got. Everybody wants to help,” said Larry Rondeau, who co-owns the business with his brother, Donald Rondeau. “It's amazing. You never realize how many friends you have until something like this happens.”
The restaurant at 1370 Mendon Road has been closed since it was damaged by fire Tuesday.
The fire there was one of two that evening in Mendon Road commercial buildings. The first broke out at Roberta's Hair and Nail Salon, at 1150 Mendon Road. The call regarding Everybody's Favorite came in less than 15 minutes later.
Both Ashton-area businesses were closed at the time.
Earlier this week, public safety officials said both fires are considered suspicious in origin. The fires are under investigation by the Cumberland Police Department and the State Fire Marshal's Office.
Smoke caused most of the damage at Everybody's Favorite. A broken window and food strewn throughout the building suggest to police that vandals set the fire.
Roberta's Hair and Nail Salon took the harder hit: The building is believed to be a total loss. “It's devastating,” said Roberta Loureiro, hairstylist and owner. “At this time of year, with this economy, it's bad.”
Like Rondeau, Loureiro heard from several local residents immediately after the mishap, offering their help in this time of need.
On Wednesday, she was already scouting for a new place to reopen her salon, which had been in business for 15-plus years.
Rondeau was comparatively fortunate: He's hoping to reopen Everybody's Favorite by Tuesday, Dec. 9.
“We won't know for certain until Monday,” Rondeau said. “A lot of it will depend on getting the equipment in place by then. The new stove won't be delivered until Monday.”
In the meantime, he's had helping hands aplenty all week long. “During the course of the next day, people started coming by,” Rondeau said. “We had one that volunteered all day yesterday (Thursday).
“We have about 10 people here (Friday) helping us. It's unbelievable. Strangers and customers just came in and offered to help. The restaurant was packed yesterday (Thursday) with volunteers cleaning.”
According to Rondeau, some of his vendors are replacing food for free, while another supporter is organizing a fundraiser.
For all the goodwill, Rondeau knows he needs to be patient. “It's a process,” he said. “We're doing what we can. It's all about money right now. We have insurance, but there are a lot of things we need that insurance won't cover.”
Everybody's Favorite Restaurant is the only source of income for Rondeau and his brother, who have been operating the place for 12 years. The restaurant employs 10.
For more information about the restaurant's opening or to assist the Rondeau brothers, call Everybody's Favorite Family Restaurant at (401) 333-5035.
Those interested in helping Loureiro are asked to call (401) 334-5747.