Skooter's Says It Will Reopen Friday

SHOREWOOD, IL — Less than 48 hours after multiple fire departments responded to a blaze at a Shorewood bar and barbecue restaurant, management says it will reopen this Friday. Late Tuesday, Skooter's Roadhouse announced to fans that it plans to be open to host its Boy Band Night on Friday, although the kitchen will not be open.

After Monday night's fire, Troy Fire Protection District Chief Andy Doyle said he thought it would be months before the country bar and restaurant could reopen. During the blaze, flames could be seen shooting out of the building's roof, with smoke billowing from the building.

But Skooter's staff said the business will be ready to host guests, although the kitchen will remain closed for now.

"It's been an difficult 24 hours but we wanted to give everyone an update as the Internet goes crazy and many people like to spread things that are not true," Skooter's said in a Facebook post using the hashtag #SkootersSTRONG.

RELATED: Skooter's Fire Under Investigation: Troy Fire Chief

The restaurant described the blaze as a "small contained fire in our kitchen," adding that since the restaurant is closed Mondays, no one was in the building at the time of the incident.

Skooter's staff said the state fire marshal has cleared the investigation and turned the building back over to management, adding that the electrical fire caused "minimal damage" and only affected the kitchen.

"OUR PLAN IS TO OPEN FOR our Friday night concert with The Boy Band Night at 7pm," the post said. "Band will start at 10pm. Our kitchen will remain closed for the time being but the Bars and the entertainment will be open for business this weekend."

Skooter's said holiday parties and events in December will be held as scheduled. To those who have booked events at the restaurant, staff said, "To each and everyone of you, we have you covered. Your parties will go off with out a hitch! We have already reached out to some of you. So ALL PRIVATE EVENTS WILL STILL TAKE PLACE. We have it all worked out so all the holiday parties can be celebrated with out any worries!"

Some responded to the Facebook announcement with words of support, while others seemed skeptical about the reopening.

In addition to Friday's Boy Band Night, Skooter's said Sweet Picken Junktique Holiday Market will happen as scheduled on Saturday morning and Suburban Cowboys will perform on Sunday.

The restaurant, which bills itself as a "premier BBQ restaurant with an incredible country flair" and "the best BBQ including brisket, ribs and moonshine." Just one day before the fire, Skooter's announced it had hired Alabama native Gerry Melendy Jr. as its new master chef.

Patch has reached out to Skooter's regarding how soon the kitchen could reopen. Check back for updates.

Read Skooter's full post here:

Photo via John Ferak/Patch staff