GILES COUNTY, Va. – The Friends and Family Restaurant in Pearisburg is providing an update after their building was destroyed in a fire in February.
The beloved restaurant had served Giles County for 27 years.
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In a statement released on Facebook, the restaurant shared that the fire investigation has concluded.
“The investigation was unable to pinpoint an exact starting point for the fire, however, it appears to have started within a wall and then spread rapidly through the attic,” the statement read. “The fire was fueled by the many items within the building. While we lost many irreplaceable items to the blaze, but we know that the many memories we have here will live on with us.”
With the conclusion of the investigation, the restaurant shared words of hope with their loyal customers.
“Now that this part of the process is over, we are happy to announce that we can finally move on to the next step of the rebuilding process: the demolition of the existing structure,” said the restaurant. “This process is scheduled to start sometime next week, preparations are already being made for the tear down. We are now actively working on a floor plan for the new building and hope to have something drawn up and approved in the coming weeks.”
The restaurant said they aim to include a full gift shop, a private dining area for parties, and a potential improved outdoor experience, and are hopeful to be back in operation by early 2024.
The statement concluded with gratitude for the outpouring of support over the last month since the fire.