Country Grill set to re-open after fire

The Country Grill in Dry Ridge will reopen Aug. 11 after an electrical fire forced the restaurant to close for more than two months.

“We’re excited,” said owner Mike Hare. “Everyone’s excited about getting reopened. Everywhere we go, people are asking when we are reopening. We’re ready to go.”

The fire broke out on June 6.

Hare said the employees smelled smoke and then noticed a haze in the dining room just after lunch.

The source of the smoke eventually was found in the attic above the kitchen.

“Most of the damage was back in the kitchen,” Hare said. “There’s new dry wall, new paint, new drop ceiling. All of the equipment was professionally cleaned.”

New carpet also was installed in the dining room and a portion of the roof was replaced.

Hare, who reopened the then vacant Country Grill in July 10, 2009, said all of the restaurant’s four cooks and main servers will be returning.

“We’re excited to have a second opportunity to serve the county,” he said. “We’re anxious to see everyone.”