When I walked inside the newly renovated Hurricane House, which is now the new Sweet Jenny's, it was something extraordinary. The famous eatery that burned down in December is now a distant memory.
The new owner of Sweet Jenny's, Joe Dringus, is reopening the well-known restaurant. After speaking with Marty Sprinzen, he told me, "The name Sweet Jennys will live on with a great man in Joe Dringus."
Monday night brought close family and friends together for a cocktail party in anticipation of the grand opening set for this Friday, July 1 at 7 a.m. As people walked in the door Monday evening they came bearing plants for good luck, bottles of Champagne, and, as I had promised Joe, a new American flag to hang outside.
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Joe's son Brandon 18, said, "This is really neat, this has never happened in my family." He contnued, "I look forward to the restaurant opening and to working here. I am so proud of my dad."
Similar sentiments came from Dringus' daughter Alexa, 8. "I feel happy and great for my daddy. I am so proud of him." She says she also looks forward to helping out where she can.
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Mayor Jeff Melchiondo says that Sweet Jenny's will be an enhancement and will be part of the continued revitalization of the downtown area.
Dringus parents Joanne and Drew both had the same sentiment. They are proud of their son and look forward to the grand opening on Friday.
Joe's wife, Rose, a driving force, stated "Joe can do anything. He is a great chef, and a wonderful man. He can paint walls, hang televisions, anything that needs to be done He can do." She continued to say the preparation is the hard part. Once they're, open then it's easy.
The effort shows. The restaurant has been decorated with nostalgic pictures on the freshly painted walls, new glass top tables and two huge televisions. The old ice cream bar is stil the same. He must have over 20 different toppings and plenty of flavors. The backyard of the restaurant has over 20 tables for outdoor dining and a gazebo, and is available for parties, christenings even weddings.
Msgr. Ken from St. Mary's Church was on hand and blessed the new eatery, sprinkling holy water around the restaurant. He told me Joe is a very charitable, wonderful family man. Deacon John Pitt, also from St. Marys, says Joe cannot be called a cook, he is a chef and is a humanitarian, always looking to help others.
His oldest sister Michelle, a cantor at St. Marys, said she's very proud of her little brother – he is hard working a great family man and she wishes him all the best.
Once again, Sweet Jenny's is set to have its grand opening this Friday, July 1 at 7 a.m. A ribbon cutting ceremony is planned.
Joe, I wish you the best of luck, and my God bless you in your new endeavor.
