SEAL BEACH : Teamwork Reopens Fire-Damaged Walt’s

Call it “A Miracle on Main Street.”

Walt’s Wharf, the landmark restaurant that was damaged in a fire the day before last Friday’s Christmas parade down Main Street, was able to reopen in time for the festivities--thanks to teamwork and help from the community.

It almost didn’t happen.

The morning after the fire, two contractors swore that it would take as long as six weeks to repair the restaurant, which sustained $50,000 in damage during a grease fire that burned part of the kitchen and ceiling.

But local contractor Don Cox, who surveyed the damage, said he could have the restaurant serving fish and beer by nightfall Friday.

“Within an hour he had people here working. It was great,” said John Ryan, general manager of Walt’s Wharf. “He pulled people from everywhere to do the job. He worked like crazy to get it opened.”

Cox was not the only hero, Ryan said. About six workers and a city building inspector helped cut red tape by getting a county health inspector to visit Walt’s Wharf even though county offices were closed on Friday.

Walt’s Wharf employees had worked into the night Thursday cleaning the restaurant. The main dining room--with its wood decor and display of wine bottles--was not touched by flames, but it did sustain water and smoke damage.

The restaurant’s mural of the coastline also was severely damaged and had to be removed for repairs. Cox’s workers had to replace the fan system above the kitchen barbecue grill, make repairs to the ceiling and walls and do some painting, Ryan said. The repairs totaled about $50,000 and will be covered by insurance, he said.

“It was a hollow feeling at first not knowing when we’d be open,” Ryan said. “But everyone rallied together, and we were able to open. It was a great feeling.”