In February, an early morning fire completely destroyed the iconic Red Bar in Grayton Beach, Florida. Fortunately no one was physically hurt, but employees and community members were absolutely devastated.

Immediately following the fire, Red Bar co-owner Oli Petit vowed:

“I want to tell our patrons and my staff that we will be back, and we will rebuild to the exact previous specifications – maybe with a better bathroom.”

Today, some eight months after those flames were extinguished, the Petit family broke ground on the new Red Bar, with employees, friends, family and community members cheering them on.

Here’s a glimpse of today’s celebration in Grayton Beach, as well as an interview with co-owner Oli Petit:

Petit said that weather-permitting and God willing, he hopes the new Red Bar will be open by Memorial Day… and even sooner if at all possible.

Here’s the full video of today’s ground-breaking event – including additional interviews – recorded live in Grayton Beach on the site where The Red Bar will soon return: