Japonee resurges from its ashes

POSTED AT 12:41 AM ON Feb. 27, 2014 (UPDATED AT 12:42 AM ON Feb. 27, 2014)

The renovated restaurant smelled of a fresh coat of paint and new lumber.

Gray stone waterfalls hung on wood-paneled walls that betrayed no traces of smoke damage.

The sushi bar had moved from the right to the left side, but the Japanese-Korean restaurant Japonee looked much the same as it had before a three-alarm fire damaged the building in 2012.

Landlord Han Chong adjusted his thick-rimmed glasses, enthusiastically explaining the new additions a hibachi grill on a new second floor, high ceilings, large flat screen televisions, French-influenced Japanese food. He plans to open in March.

I hope it just at least goes back to the business we had before, Chong said. Thats all were hoping.

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Server Lilay Cai worked at Japanee for three days before flames engulfed the restaurant on 320 N. Walnut St.

On the morning of Sept. 24, 2012, electrical wiring in a refrigerator sparked a fire in the kitchen, Chong said. Though the Bloomington Fire Department contained the fire itself, smoke and water caused damage throughout the restaurant.

BFD Chief Roger Kerr confirmed the fire was completely accidental and no one was injured.

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Japonee resurges from its ashes