The city of Canandaigua welcomed back a place known for celebrating Friday. After 15 months of being out of business, Nolan's Restaurant opened its doors for the first time. 

“I think, in my heart, we knew we were going to get here but along the way there were a lot of sleepless nights and anxious days,” said Nolan’s owner, Nick Violas. “There’s a lot of times where we didn’t think we were going to make it but by the grace of God we are here.”

Nolan's has been a go to place in Canandaigua for family reunions, wedding receptions, and birthdays since 2011.

The restaurant was forced to close after a fire burned it down in July 2017. 

The fire gutted the building but crews have been working diligently to bring the restaurant back to life. 

“I can remember I was the first person here the day it burned down,” Violas said. “I remember standing across the street with my girlfriend watching it burn down and thinking, ‘How are we going to get this back up?’” 

The restaurant along with the community unveiled the $2 million, 6200 square foot restaurant with a ribbon cutting and grand opening. One of the newest additions includes a private event room that holds up to 70 people. 

“I think there was a big void in this town with Nolan’s not being open,” said customer Anne Landre.