Tropical Acres starts demolition today, about six weeks after the early-morning accidental fire that started in the restaurant's laundry area. Owner Michael Greenlaw says that the demolition is relegated to a 1,400-square-foot section of the roof and that all walls are structurally sound.
In assessing damage, workers found the original tongue and groove walls behind wood paneling and will restore the restaurant to the way it looked in the late '40s.
"The city has been great in helping us get back on our feet," says Greenlaw, who is shooting for a December reopening. "We've also been keeping in touch with employees and expect many of them to return." Between 55 and 60 of the original 65 workers are slated to return for the holiday shifts.
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