Customers Ready To Gather At The Gathering Again
It's been a year since a popular Mission Hills restaurant was gutted by a million-dollar fire. Last May 7, flames raced through The Gathering on Washington Street. But after a major remodel, the famous eatery is reopening later this week.
Last May, flames ripped through The Gathering, causing over $1 million in damages and leaving 27 people out of work. It was a Mission Hills landmark gone, but certainly not forgotten.
It's been a difficult year for The Gathering's manager Denise Komlenic since the fire devastated her livelihood.
"I answered the phone the whole year, and I would go from telling people two months, OK two more monthsý so finally I get to say next week," she said.
Out of the ashes of what had been one of San Diego's most popular places to meet, greet and eat has come nothing but love and devotion from the community and employees.
"I feel relief beyond belief," owner Dan Thomas said. "After a year of difficult negotiating with insurance companies, building departments, health departments, I can't tell you the stress it's going to take off of me and all the staff that's waiting to come back to work."
For two of The Gathering's workers, coming back to work means more than just collecting a paycheck.
"Seeing the people again, it's a great community," employee Becky Babington said. "It's a great place to work. The people I work with, as well as the neighbors."
"We've all stayed in touch with each other, hanging out, getting together, doing lunches and stuff -- it's a family," employee Jeffrey Loy said.
The Gathering's owners say they expect the restaurant to open its doors sometime Thursday. Along with the old favorites on the menu, they say the magicians that entertained customers will return as well. Local news brought to you by KFMBTV (Channel 8).
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