Austin Canoe and Kayak (ACK) said that thanks to hard work by employees and volunteers, it never had to close a Houston store damaged during a fire. The rear third of the store, located at 5822 Bissonnet, suffered extensive damage.
 
Despite the fire damage, two thirds of the building remained in operable condition and all damaged inventory has been replenished. With the hard work off all the store employees and those who volunteered to help ACK, the store never closed and continued operations. The building is getting completely renovated and ACK will remain open for business throughout the renovation process in it’s current location. The company has also rented temporary warehouse space at a nearby location for inventory storage while the damaged portion of the building is rebuilt and the remaining parts of the building are renovated.
 
“The fire was an eye opener for us, not so much how quickly fire can create havoc or the damage sustained but more so in the community’s support in helping us get back on our feet,” said Chris Hackerd, vice president of store operations, “we are so thankful to all of our employees, customers, friends, partners and even strangers that came out to help clean up the aftermath making it possible for us to remain open.”
 
The fire originated within an adjacent building not associated with neither MSP Holdings, LLC or Austin Canoe and Kayak. No injuries or casualties were reported nor was the fire considered an act of arson.

 

ACK is operated by MSP Holdings, LLC, which also operates Rack Boys, a vehicle rack and sports travel outfitter dedicated to providing exceptional customer service. Both retail outfits are based out of the central Texas area, with their respective online stores at www.AustinkKayak.com and www.RackBoys.com and within three physical locations in Austin, San Marcos and Houston, Texas.