Official probe of Sweet Jenny's fire complete

The Fire Marshal Division of the Ocean County Sheriff's Department has concluded its investigation of the Monday, Dec. 27 fire that destroyed Sweet Jenny's Restaurant on Route 9.

The fire, deemed accidental, began in the ceiling of the log cabin structure above an office, officials said.

"The probable cause we discerned is that it was most likely an electrical wire malfunction or failure," said Deputy Fire Marshal Brian Mount.

The restaurant, gutted by the blaze but with walls still standing, will remain as is until the owners' insurance evaluations are complete, Mount said.

In the meantime, the restaurant's website now displays a statement from owners Martin Sprinzen and Angela Heung saying the couple plans to rebuild.

"We have always felt so much love from all of you and it has been great getting to know such wonderful people in the community as well as all of you who have come far and wide," the statement reads. "We hope to begin plans to rebuild and with God's help and your support; Sweet Jenny's will be every bit the landmark it was before and more."

In the meantime, they said, friends and patrons are welcome at Sweet Jenny's second location at 1305 S. Long Beach Blvd., Ship Bottom.

Visit Barnegat Patch tomorrow for more on Sweet Jenny's post-fire recovery from restaurant manager Joe Dringus.