Matt Davies, co-owner of the Riverwalk Grill in Elk Rapids, which was destroyed by fire last October, tells The Ticker that the wheels are in motion for the restaurant to rebuild at its former site near the corner of U.S. 31 and Ames Street. He and partner/brother Mark Davies have drawings in hand for the new structure and have put in an application for the zoning permit. “We’re hoping to get approval in the next couple weeks. If we can, we’d like to get the foundation roughed in before the snow flies and hopefully open by late spring.”

Though officials determined in March that the fire in the former restaurant was incendiary – caused by arson – no suspect has been identified. However, says Elk Rapids Police Chief Tom Emerson, the investigation is on-going and the department has been at work on the case as recently as last week.

In addition to the Riverwalk Grill, Matt and Mark Davies also own Western Avenue Grill in Glen Arbor, Union Cantina in Traverse City, and Peninsula Grill and Bad Dog Deli on Old Mission Peninsula. Pictured here, the remains of the Riverwalk Grill today.