A local eatery and downtown Bellefontaine staple has re-opened after a fire this summer caused a months-long closure of the restaurant.
Don’s Downtown Diner re-opened Jan. 2, and has resumed regular hours of operation after a fire in the kitchen area forced the diner to close for repairs.
Firefighters of the Bellefontaine Fire Department were dispatched about 9:30 a.m. Aug. 13 to the 208 S. Main St. location, where a cooking fire was quickly extinguished and it appeared initially there was not much damage, according to previous reports.
However, owners said by Aug. 22, it was clear that much work would need to be done to ready the restaurant prior to re-opening, and remodeling got under way.
Permits first had to be secured, and then during November, contractors began the work to repair the kitchen area.
The owners expressed their appreciation to a number of organizations and individuals who played a role in helping the business to get up and running again.
“We would like to thank State Farm Insurance, Bellefontaine Fire Department, (Logan County) Chamber of Commerce, also the City of Bellefontaine and Mayor Ben Staler for their support; our customers for the support throughout the whole journey; our employees for their dedication. Thank you to everyone who took the time to message us and for the prayers as well.
“We also want to thank Aaron Wren Plumbing, Eric Esch and D & D Enterprise.”
Don’s Diner plans to have a ribbon cutting and re-opening celebration Friday, Jan 10.
Hours of operation are 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. The restaurant is closed Sunday and Monday.