Kaufman House Owner Still Hopes to Reopen After Devastating Fire

The owner of the landmark Kaufman House restaurant in Zelienople tells the Pittsburgh Tribune Review that he hopes to reopen in the fall—but isn't exactly sure when it will happen.

The 110-year-old restaurant at 105 South Main St. has been closed since Oct. 5 2011,

The fire started in a kitchen gas-fired broiler and spread into the exhaust ducts. The Trib reports the restaurant's closing resulted in the loss of 50 jobs and a loss to the local economy in the borough of about 3,800 people.

The newspaper reports that Ken Pilarski, who purchased the restaurant in 1974, has been embroiled in disputes and litigation with insurance, restoration and cleaning companies ever since.

Countywide Restoration of Cranberry, the company that did the initial cleanup of the Kaufmann House, is suing Pilarski, demanding $63,802 in payment.

Pilarski, meanwhile, is suing the QBE Insurance Corp. of New York, the Schaffer's Air Conditioning Systems Cleaning & Fire Protection of Prospect and the ABC Fire Extinguisher Co. of Ross, a fire protection and safety company.

The family tells customers on the restaurant's website that a reopening date has not been set. 

"I appreciate all of the calls and letters and we will reopen as soon as possible," the message reads.

Do you miss the Kaufman House? Do you hope the restaurant will reopen soon? Tell us in the comment section below.

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