Story by Michelle Hawks, Contributing writer
Patti’s 1880 Settlement was forced to close after a fire on Feb. 5 caused extensive damage to the kitchen and upstairs office areas, while some areas have water damage.
A date has not been determined for when the Grand Rivers, Kentucky restaurant will reopen.
Ann Martin, the marketing director for Patti’s, said their goal is to be fully reopened by Mother’s Day in mid-May; however, a date cannot be definitively set until they can speak with a contractor.
According to Facebook posts made by the restaurant following the fire, no employees were injured.
The fire began just before 8 a.m., and the employees quickly sprang into action to attempt to put out the fire. When their efforts were unsuccessful, they called 911. First responders arrived on the scene within seven minutes.
“It was heartbreaking to watch as a Patti’s family,” Martin said.
After news of the fire broke, rumors began to swarm that the establishment had burned to the ground, but Martin said this is not true.
“The history is still intact,” Martin said. “That’s the important part.”
Patti’s is a popular destination in the region, especially during holidays like Valentine’s Day and events like the annual quilt show.
Martin said there were many reservations made for the upcoming months; however, because their reservation system was cloud-based, they were able to save that information.
She said a team of employees are working around the clock to contact everyone with reservations and reschedule them for a later date.
Though the restaurant will be closed, Martin said they are working to open the stores as soon as they are able to get the computers and credit card machines back online.
She said they hope to reopen those no later than Monday, and employees will still receive their pay.
“A waitress may not be a waitress for a while–she might be a gardener,” Martin said, “but we are a team and a family, and we will rebuild together.”