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Popular Johnston City eatery reopens after fire

It's been over four months since a fire in the kitchen's electrical panel closed down Michael's Ristorante, a popular Johnston City eatery.

The fire broke out just after the restaurant opened for business on July 7, destroying much of the restaurant that has been in the area for nearly four decades.

Although owner Mike Intravaia was thankful no one was injured, the repairs and loss of supplies - the truck had arrived just the day before - looked like an insurmountable mountain he would have to climb in order to reopen.

"Everything was damaged by the smoke," said Intravaia. "It was like starting over again."

While he originally thought he might be able to reopen in a matter of weeks, repairs, glitches with insurance and equipment orders stretched that into months.

During that time, locals from around the area kept up the chatter on social media. "My guys are having serious Michael's withdrawals!" wrote Marla Glodich.

Joan Conkovich was a frequent poster. "OMG!!!" she wrote. "We miss you!" A few weeks later, Conkovich again posted. "Waiting patiently!!!! Wings … Pizza."

Conkovich's wait ended on Monday, when Michael's opened again, ready for business. "OMG …. We have missed you!!!" she posted with a photo of her pizza delivered to her rural Johnston City home.

While Conkovich chose delivery, hordes of others chose to dine in. "We had a wait of an hour most of the evening," said Intravaia's wife, Jessica, on Tuesday evening.

Tuesdays are popular, known as "wing night" to customers. The restaurant offers a variety of specials including wings prepared in various styles and flavors.

While Intravaia looked exhausted toward the end of the evening, it was clear he was in his element and enjoying every minute of the success of his restaurant.

"We are so thankful for our customers," he said. "They have been supportive while we worked to come back and now, here they are."

Michael's Ristorante reopened to big crowds this week. Holly Kee/Benton News