Burnt eatery hopes to reopen soon

Popular suburban Christchurch Chinese restaurant Foo San will not need rebuilding, but remains closed awaiting repairs.

The Ilam restaurant’s premises, equipment and furniture were damaged by fire in early November. At first owners Cheng Yew Toh and Sam Soh thought it could have to be rebuilt and hoped they could reopen this month.

The blaze began in the kitchen while the restaurant was vacant.

Toh’s daughter Wynette Toh said this week that the building was not as badly damaged as first feared. They needed to replace fittings including carpets and ceilings and all the equipment, but had been hampered by the Christmas and New Year break.

‘‘We are working through things and trying to get up and running. It’s basically going to be new.’’

Toh said they were heartened to receive many messages from customers including inquiries about reopening.

The restaurant is on Rountree St near Canterbury University and attracts many students.

‘‘We’re glad people have not forgotten about us,’’ Toh said. ‘‘It would be good it we could get it open in time for the students in February, but it’s hard getting builders in Christchurch, especially at this time of the year.’’

The restaurant has been in the hands of the Toh and Soh families for more than 20 years.