Miso Sweet Ramen and Donuts Set to Reopen After Fire - NBC29 WVIR Charlottesville, VA News, Sports and Weather

A Charlottesville restaurant damaged by a fire on the Downtown Mall in June is now ready to open its doors again this weekend.

A fire at Ike's Underground Vintage Clothing and Strange Cargo caused some damage to its neighbors.

Miso Sweet Ramen and Donuts, still in its first year of business, was hit with a major challenge:  "We took a big hit this summer. We were hoping to have our first summer here, you know, we've kind of had to take a little break and rebuild," said owner Frank Paris.

It took three weeks, but thanks to their employees and the Charlottesville community, the restaurant says it has bounced back.

"We're here, we survived the fire, and we're gonna rise and start making good food again," Paris said.

The restaurant has been cleaned, rebuilt, and repainted, thanks to the dedication of its employees.

"The fact that we have all these people that actually came back to help us clean up and that still want to work here, it says something about us," said Elijah Stewart.

The community has showed their support, too. One regular even started a GoFundMe page to help Miso Sweet with rebuilding costs.

"To have that support, it meant a lot. You know, we're a new business. We're still trying to find our footing here in Charlottesville. We're slowly building our clientele list. So to have someone do something like that for us was really special," said Paris.

The grand reopening runs from noon to 10 p.m. Saturday, July 23. Lewis says people should expect lots and lots of donuts.