Story by Michelle Hawks, Staff Writer

Photos by Nick Bohannon

An opening date has not been confirmed for Patti’s 1880’s Settlement after a fire forced the restaurant to close on Feb. 5.

Ann Martin, the marketing director for Patti’s, said they hope to open the restaurant at the end of the summer.

The Canoe Cottage, Ashleigh’s Boutique and The Pink Tractor are now open and have resumed normal business hours.

Though the restaurant has been closed, no employees have been let go.

“We’re all finding new talents,” Martin said.

In a series of videos on Patti’s 1880’s Settlement Facebook page, Martin spoke with some of the employees who are taking on new roles.

Terri Cowart, Patti’s head dining room manager, is one of those employees. She has taken on odd jobs since the fire, such as helping with the clean-up process.

“It’s hard to see twenty years kind of go up and figure out what you’re going to do with all your employees,” Cowart said.

She said each of the employees have a special place at Patti’s.

Martin said she encourages customers to check their Facebook page for updates.