BURKE - The community is familiar with the Pub Outback and its recent closure. Now, the Burke Publick House has moved in, with plans to open on the 22nd of this month. The owner, Curt Cuccia, and his workers are trying their best to get ready for the opening day.
In the past two weeks, Cuccia said they have been cleaning up the restaurant, as well as remodeling out-front, painting, and flooring. As far as the kitchen goes, they are going to stick to the original set-up with the same equipment.
Renovation has been costly. Cuccia estimated the costs at around $30,000 to $40,000. Four to eight workers come in and help every day.
The major spending was on flooring. Two workers from Mayo’s Furniture & Floor Covering came in this week to help. Work on the floors is expected to be done by this Thursday.
“We are going to do the second coat. And after the floor is dry, flat and smooth, we will get this half done,” said the worker John Pornann. “On Wednesday and Thursday, we will do the other half.”
After the flooring finishes, they will put the chairs and tables in. This time, there will be 78 seats on the first floor, and 20 upstairs for reservations of over 15 people. A new whiskey bar will be open in the mid-January, adding another 10 seats.
Jack Williams has helped out, checking old chairs and making some repairs. The goal is to reuse as many chairs as possible.
“Picking the usable parts from an old chair to fix the others, so we got one chair out of two,” Williams said.
Cuccia feels nervous, but he hopes the restaurant will be lined up on opening day. They will have approximately 20 employees, including three full-time chefs.
“Our main focus is for our local people,” Cuccia said. “We really want to create a nice atmosphere for them to come.”
The restaurant runs seven days a week, opening at 4 p.m., serving food at 5 p.m., with the kitchen closing at 10 p.m.
“We are here to provide great food with reasonable prices and with ever changing menu,” said Frank Cuccia, father of the owner. “And you need drinks to enhance the experience.”