A staple Wooster restaurant is rising from the ashes nearly a year after a devastating fire left its future uncertain.
Farmer Boy will reopen its doors the day after Christmas.
On Feb. 16, around 11:24 p.m., flames tore through the kitchen and into the attic. Wooster fire officials confirmed the cause was accidental.
News 5 was there days after the fire as workers learned they no longer had a job, including longtime server Tammy Williams. She worked at the restaurant for 27 years.
The Farmer Boy restaurant in Wooster ‘total loss’ after fire
RELATED: The Farmer Boy restaurant in Wooster ‘total loss’ after fire
“You don’t know what you have,” she said back in February.
Now, 10 months later, most of the staff is returning.
“Oh yeah, Tammy’s coming back. We have about 95% of our employees coming back,” said General Manager Bill Bostancic.
Weaver Custom Homes was brought in to help restore the restaurant while maintaining its nostalgic charm.
Merle Stutzman, president of Weaver Custom Homes, said the renovation balanced old and new elements.