Tides to reopen Dec. 29

NAHANT – Just over three months after an electrical fire forced the Tides Restaurant to close, owner Mike O?Callaghan confirmed Thursday he will be re-opening the popular eatery on Saturday, Dec. 29.Though O?Callaghan said in October there would only be four weeks of repairs, the restaurant needed more time for repairs and replacements, including new insulation, a roof, ceilings, floors, paint, eight new windows, plus a renovated kitchen and restrooms, and new electrical and plumbing systems.The restaurant was heavily damaged by fire in the early morning of Sept. 25. Fire officials said the blaze began in the basement and progressed to the upper floors and the kitchen of the restaurant. Damage was estimated at about $200,000.One notable change customers may notice is the 26 draft lines with more craft beers at the bar – twice the number than before the fire. O?Callaghan said all the same staff except for four people will be returning, and though there will be some menu changes, “the same great pizza will be coming back.”O?Callaghan said Wednesday the building had electricity and heat; beer kegs, wine and liquor were being delivered, and crews were setting up booths and tables.?That?s exciting,” he said. “We will set the whole place up ahead of time before it reopens to the public to make sure that everything?s working.”Though next Saturday is the re-opening, O?Callaghan said there will be no special grand re-opening event until later, probably in February.?We?re very excited to re-open,” said O?Callaghan. “I?m looking forward to getting back to normal life, whatever that is.”In response to a concern over losing parking in front of the restaurant due to the causeway project, O?Callaghan said it wouldn?t be a problem because customers had infrequently used those spots in the summer.?In the summertime, those parking spots are gone by 9 a.m.,” he said. “Our customers don?t have a shot at them until nighttime. It?s more for convenience. In the summertime, we don?t have any problem, they park in the back.”Of the causeway project, he said, “That project?s going great. Those guys are doing a good job out there.”For more information, go to tidesnahant.comKait Taylor can be reached at [email protected].