NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Police said they think thieves are responsible for destroying a popular fruit and produce stand that has been serving people for 30 years.

Video: Police Say Thieves Destroyed Family's Produce Stand

McNeil's produce has been in business on Highway 100 for more than 30 years, but thieves on July Fourth set the family back a bit.

The stand was a small building full of Mennonite jams and jellies, fruit pies, bread and local fruits and vegetables.

"It really didn't hit until you see the building. I mean, I knew what had happened, and I didn't come down here Friday night. Saturday morning, I got down here about 11 o’clock. My 8-year-old was devastated, and he doesn’t really comprehend what’s going on, you know?" said Tabatha McNeil.

Investigators believe thieves burned the stand to cover up a theft.

"I don't see how anybody can be that mean. I don't understand it," said McNeil.

The McNeils figured they lost at least $4,000 in produce, which doesn’t include the cost of replacing the entire building.

With no insurance, there was no need for a big inventory check, so the McNeils put their grief to work and opened the morning after the fire at 7 a.m. in a makeshift tent stand.

"She'd have to be dead in her grave before she left. She's a very determined woman. Very stubborn," said Tabitha McNeil said of one of the owners.

Customers said they are glad that the fire did not also destroy the McNeils' spirit.

"They've been here forever it seems like. Everything here is extremely good, and they have very, very good prices. Everyone’s very friendly here. I mean, it’s worth an extra drive," said Fairview resident Shannon Boone.

The McNeils said they will rebuild as soon as possible because the way they are set up right now, there's no place to store everything.

They said they bring everything out in the morning and take it all home at night -- even a cash register.