Templeton Feed & Grain enters rebuilding phase after community raises $455,000
The owners of Templeton Feed & Grain are moving into the next phase of rebuilding nearly a year after a fire destroyed the longtime Main Street business, as community fundraising efforts have now contributed $455,000 toward recovery and reconstruction efforts.
The funds were raised through a series of events and donations organized by the Stronger Together Committee following the July 4, 2025, fire that destroyed the historic feed store and granary in downtown Templeton.
While demolition of the remaining structure was completed earlier this year, the Jermin family said the rebuilding process has now entered a slower planning and engineering phase involving decisions ranging from customer access and parking to inventory flow and receiving areas.
“We’re working through a lot of important decisions right now, including parking, receiving areas and the overall layout of the building,” co-owner Rick Jermin said.
According to Jermin, the face of the new building is expected to resemble the original storefront along South Main Street, though interior planning has taken additional time.
The family is also navigating grading, foundation work and engineering requirements before construction can begin.
“I never realized how much was involved,” Jermin said. “Load calculations, piers — that’s just the foundation.”
Jermin said plans are expected to be submitted to a steel company in the coming weeks, with additional engineering and county review to follow. Once permits are approved, he said the actual construction phase could move much more quickly.
“The contractor thinks it could go up pretty fast once we get to that point,” Jermin said.
Even as rebuilding continues, the Jermin family said longtime customers regularly stop in to ask about progress and offer encouragement during everyday conversations.
Community fundraising efforts
That support was also visible during fundraising events held Sept. 19 and 21, 2025, including the One Town, One Table dinner and Grain Revival celebration, which brought families, businesses and volunteers together in downtown Templeton.
“Pulling resources and fundraising has been a natural reflex for the community as a whole, and with most of the Stronger Together committee being both neighbors and customers of the Feed & Grain, it felt like the right thing to do,” committee member Sierra English said. “I remember looking up from the auction table during the Grain Revival, realizing that the hundreds of people on Main Street showed up for the exact same reasons we felt compelled to help. It was humbling to facilitate something so special.”
Major donors included Justin Vineyards, Weyrick Lumber and Penny-Newman Grain Company, while dozens of local businesses and volunteers contributed food, logistics, auction items and event support throughout the fundraising effort.
“The devastating loss of our community landmark deeply impacted everyone,” said Jeff Briltz, general manager of the Templeton Community Services District. “Yet, even before it was fully extinguished, residents and businesses immediately combined resources to transform this tragedy into a powerful display of strength and support that was truly heartfelt and unifying.”
Looking ahead
Jermin said the engineering and permitting phase has required patience, but the family remains encouraged by longtime customers and the prospect of rebuilding on the original Main Street site.
Jermin also expressed appreciation for San Luis Obispo County Supervisor John Peschong, who he said has helped the family navigate the rebuilding process.
“I just feel very fortunate that we have John Peschong helping us get through this challenging time,” Jermin said.
“Templeton Feed & Grain was never just a building — it was the people and community who gave it life,” Jermin said in a statement released by the Stronger Together Committee. “From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for standing with us during this difficult time.”
