MACHIAS — Helen’s Restaurant, which was destroyed by fire last July, could be open again as early as mid-April.
“We’re ready to get back to work,” said Julie Barker, who co-owns the restaurant with her husband, David Barker.
Reconstruction began in October, and now the building is under roof. On Monday, workers finished spackling and other details and, the Barkers said, crews hope to be painting by Wednesday.
“We’re very happy with our contractor,” said Julie Barker, referring to the firm Buildings Etcetera of Houlton.
“These guys have been amazing doing their job,” said David Barker.
The new building will be smaller than the old one, the Barkers said. Seating capacity will be reduced from 175 to 125. The interior design will be more efficient with an open concept and a dining area with a view of the river.
“The other building was huge. We did not use the space,” said Barker. “The building was never meant to be a restaurant.”
“It was an old lumberyard converted to a restaurant,” said Julie Barker.
The biggest challenge to rebuilding has been insurance, the Barkers said.
“Somebody should give a course the first week of a disaster so people know what to do. It’s kind of learn as you go and it’s not an easy process,” Barker said.
For example, the Barkers said they had to come up with an inventory of everything lost inside the building and determine a replacement value for it.
Employees have been supportive and almost the full crew is coming back, they said. During the winter, the restaurant operates with about 35 employees, and the number can top 50 during the summer.
The restaurant may do something to celebrate its reopening, but that will not happen right away.
“We need to get back to the work that we’re used to doing,” said Julie Barker. “We don’t want to overwhelm the staff.”
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