Changes coming to Stout’s after fire

July 22--CLINTON -- Remodeling is underway at Stout's Irish Pub in Clinton after an unforgettable Fourth of July weekend.

Stout's owner Shane Edwards was rushed to the scene at 2 a.m. July 3, after a call that there had been an electrical fire in Stout's kitchen. Once he was on scene, a fire marshal brought him into the building to explain what had happened. The fire had been contained to the kitchen area but the smoke and water damage was to the whole building, Edwards said.

The doors were closed July 4 and to allow for the removal of water.

"Luckily nothing happened to the back bar we have," Edwards said. "It's a really nice bar."

Once they assessed the damage and got the insurance companies involved, Edwards and his staff began deciding on remodeling to the structure at 2352 Valley West Court.

Stout's will remodel the kitchen and the bathrooms. The bar and dining area will have new Epoxy flooring and new decorative ceiling tiles.

In the kitchen they're putting in new flooring and a walk-in cooler that will have a 20 draft beer system. That's an upgrade from the current 12-draft system, Edwards said.

"Right now we just have the hopes of getting open as soon as possible," Edwards said. "But we will make sure to take the time and make sure everything is done right."

In lieu of remodel, Stout's will re-do its food and drink menus, alter business hours and add Sunday delivery. The outside of the building will have green accents around it and new awnings for the front. Edwards also is hoping to put in an outdoor patio next year so they can put more tables outside.

If all goes to plan, Edwards is hoping to reopen in the next three to four weeks.

"It's definitely been a pain in the butt, but everything happens for a reason," Edwards said. "We have good food, good service and a good place, and we want to be able to continue that for Clinton."

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