Harry's Seafood Bar and Grille in downtown Lakeland reopens after kitchen fire

LAKELAND — Harry's Seafood Bar and Grille in downtown Lakeland has reopened its doors this week following a kitchen fire.

Justin Griffin, co-owner of Harry's, said the restaurant was closed for eight days to allow for repairs and passed all inspections Thursday afternoon. With some finishing touches, the staff was ready to serve lunch on Friday.

Previously: Harry's Seafood Bar and Grille will close for about a week after fire causes evacuation

Polk restaurant inspections: 2 restaurants temporarily close. 7 found with pest violations

Griffin said he was grateful for concerns and support of the Lakeland community voiced during the eatery's closure.

"Just talking to people while I've been at town at restaurants and hotels, everyone asks and said they were anxious for us to get back open," he said. "They were glad it wasn't more serious."

Lakeland Police Department had responded to a call of a commercial structure fire at around 3 p.m. Sept. 7 at the restaurant, filling it with light smoke and forcing an evacuation. The blaze was in the kitchen's hood system that vents onto the roof of the building.

This article originally appeared on The Ledger: Lakeland's Harry's Seafood Bar and Grille reopens after kitchen fire