PENHOLD — For Wendy and Randy Kroetsch, it was never a question of “if” but “when.”
The couple, who own the Penholder Inn, haven’t wavered in their resolve to reopen the popular bar since it was badly damaged by fire on June 27.
“We love the place,” said Wendy Kroetsch, who hopes to be ready for customers by the end of October.
“It’s been a labour of love.
“From the outside-in and the inside-out, we’ve put our hearts and souls into it.”
The premises suffered an estimated $375,000 in damage after a cigarette in an office garbage can ignited the fire. The bar area was hardest hit, with the upstairs and adjacent liquor store only sustaining smoke damage.
The liquor store reopened soon after. But repairs to the bar — which has seating for about 120 — have been a bigger job than expected. Kroetsch said smoke damage was worse than initially thought.
Work remains, but the finish line is in sight. And that’s good news for those who used to stop in at the Penholder Inn to socialize, test their talent on karaoke nights or enjoy live entertainment.
“People keep coming in and asking, ‘When are you opening?’”
Kroetsch and her husband have owned the hotel for seven years, but its origins go back much further.
“I know it was there during the (Second World) War,” she said.
“It’s been a gathering place for generations.”
When the Penholder Inn’s patrons are able to return, they should find themselves in familiar surroundings.
“It will have a new look, but it will be the same place that welcomes them all.”
hrichards@www.reddeeradvocate.com