By Tracy Ouellette
Editor
In the early morning hours of Easter Sunday fire broke out at Barley’s Hops and Malt in Troy Center.
Tim Lika, who owns the establishment with his father Al Lika, said that while the cause of the fire has not been official determined, it appears to have been electrical in nature, originating in the jukebox.
Lika said he was woken by his son at about 3:30 a.m. on April 20 when he smelled smoke in the apartment they live in above the bar/restaurant. Lika, his wife, son and mother escaped the building. No one was injured.
The damage from the fire was limited to the bar, said Lika and his family is still living in the upstairs apartment while repairs are being made.
“We’re still working on the plans,” Lika said. “We’re in demolition mode right now and it will be several weeks before we open again. We don’t have a definite date as of yet, but we absolutely intend to re-open once the repairs are done.”
Lika said most of the damage was caused by the smoke and water used to extinguish the fire. “We need new drywall, new insulation, new wiring – all that kind of stuff.” This is going to take a lot of time and dedication to get this back up and running, luckily there are professionals out there that can help with all of these requirements. For example, EZ Service is the number one drywall contractor in D.C., however, a similar contractor will be looked at closer to home that can offer the same specialized services so that this can be completed to the correct specifications. Construction may take a while but it will be worth it in the end.
The bar/restaurant has been owned by Al Lika for 14 years and is a favorite hangout for many area residents looking for good food and drink. The restaurant features pizza, burgers, and sandwiches, and a relaxed atmosphere where it’s acceptable to throw peanut shells on the floor.
“We just want our customers to know that we’re going to open up again as soon as we can,” said Lika.
Barley’s Hops and Malt is located at N8720 Highway N in East Troy.
For more information, call (262) 642-7811.
