COLUMBIA, SC (WIS) -
It's been more than eight months since the Salty Nut Cafe was open for business.
"We've been a staple here for more than 15 years," said General Manager Phil Hopewell. "We have tons of loyal customers that obviously we want to bring it back for them."
In January, police say 22-year-old Theodore Podewil threw a Molotov cocktail into Salty Nut's window.
"The building itself didn't have any structural damage but the inside was almost completely destroyed," said Hopewell. "So we've really had to concentrate on the renovation side. It's been a long journey but we're almost there.
For months, contractors have been making sure the building is up to code and making a few changes.
"The deck expansion which we're really excited about," said Hopewell. "It extends all the way to the front door. It's also covered."
The bigger deck is something staff members have talked about for a while. It was one of many renovations they're glad to be doing.
"The bathrooms have been expanded to almost double in size," said Hopewell
A sprinkler system has been installed to protect against another disaster.
"The way it's set up now is safer for everybody," said Hopewell.
Owners and staff are still trying to figure out why Podewil targeted the Salty Nut.
"It hurts us to be gone for so long at the expense of a random 21-year-old's whim," said Hopewell. "So we're disappointed in that sense but also looking for a new beginning."
"We just want to say thanks to everybody for their support," he continued. "Stick with us. We're almost there."
Podewil is still in jail.
Construction on the Salty Nut Cafe should wrap up in the next couple weeks. The general manager hopes the grand re-opening happens by the end of the month but no official date has been set.
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Owners of the Salty Nut Cafe plan to open soon after January fire
