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LAPLACE — In a heartwarming show of support for the small business community in St. John the Baptist Parish, Mabile’s Restaurant recently raised $878 to help LaPlace Frostop replace its iconic mug.

The long-awaited return of the mug, which fell victim to Hurricane Ida’s winds last summer, will be replaced soon at 411 W. Airline Highway.

Both Frostop and Mabile’s have been landmarks here the local culinary scene for decades and are among the longest-standing restaurants in LaPlace. Brandon Mabile said “Frostop Friday” was a way for one multi-generational business to help another.

“I’ve been eating at Frostop since I was a kid, when we first moved here. The sign’s always been there, and it’s been a staple in St. John Parish for as long as I’ve been in,” Mabile said. “We know the Tolers are some good people and another small-town local business, and we’re just doing everything we can to help them.”

On July 8, all tips for Mabile’s employees were matched by the restaurant owners for a grand total of $878, far exceeding the $500 goal.

“All of my employees made the decision. They all bought the T-shirts, and we all wanted to do something to raise some money,” Mabile said.

Friday was chosen for the fundraiser since it is the busiest day of the week and typically garners the most tips. Local businesses such as LaPlace Glass and several members of the St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office, including Sheriff Mike Tregre himself, stopped by the restaurant Friday to contribute to the effort and help rebuild the mug.

The cash donation was presented to LaPlace Frostop on Saturday.

“They were very excited and very, very grateful,” Mabile said.

Additional donations can be dropped off at Mabile’s or directly to Frostop.

This isn’t the first time Frostop’s iconic mug has been restored, according to third-generation LaPlace Frostop owner Terry Toler. While the insides and handle are original to the 1950s, the mug was redone in aluminum in 2007.