CHICAGO (WLS) — Calumet Fisheries, a beloved local smoked fish shop on the city's Far South Side, has reopened for business.
“It's been a tough time, but you guys have done a great job. Welcome back,” co-owner Mark Cotrick told hungry customers.
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They've been waiting for this moment for months.
The restaurant, located at 3259 East 95th Street, was forced to close in November 2023 after an electrical fire.
Related: Calumet Fisheries sustains heavy damage in fire caused by 'electrical issues', officials say
“This store has been in our family for 76 years,” Kotrick said. “Reopening is something I never thought I'd do, but it feels great again.”
Workers were up early, and the fryers were busily whipping up pounds of shrimp and a seemingly endless supply of fish.
“I absolutely love it, I've been coming here with my family for years,” said customer Jodie Healy.
Healy and her son traveled all the way from south suburban Frankfort to be first in line.
“Shrimp is definitely my favorite, but smoked fish is amazing too,” Healy explained.
John Gonzalez and his wife, Melissa, live nearby and grew up eating at Calumet Fisheries.
“My grandparents came here, my parents came, they brought us here. When the house burned down, the whole neighborhood was devastated,” Gonzalez said.
Melissa said Calumet Fisheries' long-awaited return has been worth the wait.
“It's such a great thing for the community. It's such a staple in our neighborhood,” she said. “It's really nice to see it reopening and people coming from all over and different places. Everyone's happy to be back.”
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