Deals to meals: Cafe Moxie to be resurrected
By Steve Myrick
Published: October 9, 2008
Plans to rebuild Cafe Moxie, the scene of a devastating fire on July 4, moved forward this week, after a settlement with insurance companies and a new partner who joined the rebuilding effort.
"Nothing really happens without money and time, but once you have those, things start to roll," said Paul Currier, who founded the restaurant and still owns the property.
Mike Ryan, owner of Island Woodworks, says he joined the rebuilding effort as an equal investor with Mr. Currier, in an effort to get the project moving forward. "It was a great restaurant, it's a great spot for a restaurant. It will be open on the Fourth of July, next year," said Mr. Ryan with conviction on Monday, as he watched the demolition of restaurant kitchen, the only part of the structure still standing after the fire.
Following months of difficult negotiation with banks and insurance adjusters, Mr. Currier is a bit more cautious. "This is daunting, to go through the procedure, building something on Main Street," he said. "You don't know if there will be anything to slow you down, it could be anything. We don't foresee any real problems."
Photo by Steve Myrick
Mr. Currier and Mr. Ryan say they intend to include apartments in the new building, and hope to restore the interior of the popular restaurant as closely as possible. There will be one big difference, however.
"It will be a lot safer," said Mr. Ryan. "The codes for commercial buildings are a lot more stringent."
Restoring the restaurant will go beyond rebuilding the structure. Mr. Currier expects Austin Racine to return as chef. He had just taken over operation of the restaurant when fire struck.
"One way or another I hope to have him on board," said Mr. Currier. "It wouldn't be that hard to pull everyone back in, and pull everything back together."
