Kiyoshi Reopens to Moon Firefighters, Police

Henry Longerman, president of the , said Sunday night was a first for the organization. 

"In 40 years, I don't recall a business doing something like this," said Longerman from inside the newly revamped . 

The University Boulevard restaurant invited township firefighters and  and their families for a complimentary dinner Sunday. Restaurant staff said it was a way to say thank you following the June that severely damaged the inside of the building, shuttering the eatery for four months. 

"I think the guys were really surprised," Longerman said of the dinner. "It's a nice gesture." 

Severely damaged by both thegrease fire and water main break, the restaurant's interior has undergone a total renovation, said manager Justin Zaborowski. 

"Before it was kind of this kitschy Chinese restaurant," Zaborowski said. "Now it's got this modern look." 

Kiyoshi owner Melvin Lie said the restaurant, which has operated under the Kiyoshi name since 2008, still has not determined the total costs of the renovation, but said the idea to offer first responders a free dinner has been in the making for months. 

"They do a great job," Lie said. "We just wanted to say thanks."

In June, restaurant staff and patrons were forced from the building after a grease fire ignited in the restaurant's kitchen. No one was injured in the blaze. 

"We had people who walked outside with their wine glasses," Zaborowski said. "We really didn't know that it was that big of a deal." 

But Zaborowski said staff members soon found that the fire's aftermath was more severe than originally thought. Smoke and water damage was found throughout the building, the ceiling was heavily charred, and a ceiling beam required replacement.

"And it was just all these other random things that we found that needed to be replaced," Zaborowski said. "We were kind of in disbelief." 

Now, with much of the original staff returning, the restaurant will reopen its doors to the public at 11 a.m. Tuesday. The menu will remain the same. 

"We're really grateful for what [police and firefighters] did," Zaborowski said. "We're really looking forward to reopening."