WILLISTON, Fla. (WCJB) -A restaurant in Williston is preparing to reopen this fall after closing in November 2023 due to an electrical fire that damaged the building.
Renovations are underway at Ivy House. Workers still need to install flooring and add furniture and decorations.
A new bar area is also included in the renovations. Staff will be serving alcohol for the first time.
“This project has definitely been a labor of love,” said Waica Micheletti, owner of Ivy House.
Fire caused by electrical issue in 2023
The Ivy House caught fire in 2023 due to an electrical issue, and it has been a long road to get the building ready for customers.
“And that day was horrific,” Micheletti said.
Micheletti said they have had to push back their opening a couple of times, since the home was built in 1912. They have had to bring everything back up to code.
“It’s been a lot to do. The old girl needed a lot of work. We’ve had foot traffic, I mean, thousands and thousands of guests that have come through that front door. And it’s been done that way for 30 years, and so she needed an upgrade for sure,” Micheletti said.
Owners sold Ocala location to focus on Williston restaurant
Earlier this year, the owners sold their Ocala restaurant so they could concentrate on the Williston location.
They are now finishing the floors and putting the kitchen in. Furniture will be put in next week along with decorations. The restaurant will have the same feel and layout but with updates.
Merch Market now open
In July, Micheletti was able to open a market next door to the restaurant. The market has items including gator gear for game days, decorations, and Ivy House Southern comfort food for customers missing their favorite items from the restaurant.
Micheletti said their excitement is growing every day as they get closer to officially opening their doors again.
“Well, we’ve had such an amazing response to everything that we put on Facebook, social media, everywhere. It’s just been a little overwhelming and a huge blessing because everyone is looking forward to it,” Micheletti said.
The goal is to open sometime in November.
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Dining and Cooking