Kevin Witkos Becomes One of New Fireplace Café Building Owners

COLLINSVILLE – The former Fireplace Café was officially sold Wednesday morning and while the building will be completely renovated, much of its history will live on, one of the new owners said.

Wednesday morning, 3 River Street, LLC, consisting of Gregory Boyko, manager, and Kevin Witkos, member, purchased the building for $119,000 Wednesday, with the plan of keeping a restaurant and bar on the lower level and four efficiency apartments on the upper level.

The restaurant will be known as Wilson’s in honor of the late William H. Wilson Jr., Boyko said. In addition, the totem in front of the building is being restored and will be displayed on the side of the building in what will likely be a porch area, Boyko said.

“We felt we should honor Mr. Wilson,” Boyko said.

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Wilson, often known as Bill or Billy, bought the Fireplace Cafe in the late 1960s and ran it nearly until his death on Oct. 14, 2010 at age 74. After the end of his life and after his death, until this past Sunday, it was run by his long-time associate Phyllis Carroll and her husband Duke. 

Boyko has restored several old homes in Canton utilizing general contractor Edward Roberge, owner of Stonehouse Construction, L.L.C., which specializes in historic renovations and design and build remodeling.

Roberge will also work on this project and the goal is to have everything up and running by fall, Boyko said.

Measurements have already been taken and the hope is to complete the bulk of the work in four months, Boyko said.

However, it could be longer before the restaurant actually opens, he added.

The group has looked over numerous pictures from the past 100 years and plans to restore the building with its history in mind.

“We’re going to try and get as close as possible to the original,” Boyko said.

The size of roughly 3,300 square feet will stay the same but the shed will be torn down to make room for the porch, he added.

Boyko said he is excited about the project, retaining loyal Fireplace clients and attracting some new ones.

“We’re looking forward to it,” he said.