The Waterfront Restaurant in Anna Maria has resumed operations after a closure initiated by Hurricane Helene. 

“I was more devastated for the family and friends dealing with this ordeal. It’s been tough, and many of us were in shock,” shared waitress Noel Burke, who has served at the restaurant for over six years and started taking orders again on December 4.

Owner Jason Suzor revealed that the restaurant was inundated with nearly four feet of water, causing extensive damage. The recovery process has been sluggish, particularly with the delay in insurance payouts.

Determined to reopen, Suzor personally financed the necessary repairs. 

“I did get an advance, but it was just a fraction of what we needed. The most challenging aspect was being closed for about 75 days. We wanted to reopen for everyone’s sake – for the employees, for our community,” Suzor explained.

To support the staff through the closure, Burke initiated a fundraiser that collected over $8,000, which she distributed among her colleagues to help with living expenses.

“It means everything to me. This place is my second family. When I’m not with my family or at church, I’m here with everyone,” Burke expressed.

She takes pride in being part of this close-knit community and vows to stand by the restaurant through all challenges.

Suzor is now looking to the future, planning to invest in new equipment to better withstand future storms, and anticipates receiving the full insurance settlement at the beginning of the year.

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(Image credit: Tripadvisor)