La Nopalera prepares to reopen in Beaufort after repairing fire damage
Six months after an electrical fire forced the closure of La Nopalera in Beaufort, the Mexican restaurant plans to reopen next week.
Manager Abraham Cruz said that, pending final inspections and permits, the business at 1220 Ribaut Road could be serving customers Friday.
The building caught fire early May 21. No one was in the building at the time, and a passerby reported seeing flames shooting out of it.
The fire began in a shed behind the restaurant and spread to the eaves and roof, according to the Beaufort/Port Royal Fire Department. Flames were 30 feet high when firefighters arrived.
The fire ignited an outside gas meter and forced firefighters to allow it to burn freely to prevent an explosion.
Cruz said the business, which had been in operation for about 15 years, was insured, and the last six months have been spent on renovations. All the wiring has been replaced, a new bar installed and other remodeling done.
La Nopalera will reopen quietly, but a larger celebration will likely be planned later, he said.
Few changes have been made to the restaurant's model or menu, as Cruz said it was doing a strong business before the fire.
Information: 843-521-4882
In other changes about town:
- Beaufort Memorial Hospital and the Beaufort Regional Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon-cutting and grand opening Tuesday for the recently completed Lady's Island Internal Medicine clinic at 97 Sea Island Parkway. Another ribbon-cutting and open house are planned from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Monday. The 8,500-square-foot clinic is home to Dr. Philip Cusumano, Dr. Randy Dalbow and Dr. Robert Vyge.
Information: 843-522-7240, www.bmhsc.org/Find-Provider/Physician-Partners/Lady-s-Island-Internal-Medicine/11619/Content.aspx
The restaurant opened Wednesday and is similar to the original. Both locations have an updated menu.
Hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10:30 or 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday.
Information: 843-322-9909
Follow reporter Erin Moody at twitter.com/IPBG_Erin.
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- Fire, caused by electrical wiring, damages Beaufort Mexican restaurant
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- St. Peter's Catholic church in Beaufort reopens after extensive renovation
This story was originally published November 15, 2013 at 3:00 PM with the headline "La Nopalera prepares to reopen in Beaufort after repairing fire damage."