Back from the ashes … again, the Lighthouse restaurant will reopen next week under new ownership, former general manager Brookes Konig said Friday.
And the new owner would be Konig himself, who is leasing from property owners Tim Tweten and Gordon Rush, doing business as 429 Bay Street LLC.
By now, everyone in Port Orchard knows the back story: how the grand landmark building sat unoccupied during the recession, how earlier this year Eric A. Smith of Bothell, a Seattle cop took a stab at the restaurant business, hiring Konig as general manager, how Smith called the place Robert Earl Lighthouse, after his dad, how the community was happy to see the place reopened in May.
Konig, former regional manager of Famous Dave’s, had no personal connection to Smith. A friend of Konig’s in the local hospitality industry hooked them up. So Konig was just as shocked as the rest of South Kitsap when Smith was charged July 2 in Snohomish County with three counts of first degree child molestation. Business, dropped off after the charges came to light. Employees were laid off, and in mid-July, the Lighthouse closed.
Word was, Konig was looking for a backer to reopen the place. On
Friday, he signed the final papers on the lease, and he has
purchased the business from Smith.
On Saturday (that’s today) Rotary members will be at the
restaurant, now called the Port Orchard Lighthouse, helping get the
place back in shape for reopening some time next week. There’s a
free barbecue from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and anyone is welcome.
Konig is eager to regain the good will of the community and hopes to distance the Lighthouse from the tarnish of allegations against Smith. “The recovery is what’s so important to this restaurant,” he said.
Konig has rehired 23 former staff members and is still hiring.
Port Orchard Lighthouse is the best name for this special restaurant. I hope everyone supports this new effort by Mr. Konig. It was once a jewel in the Port Orchard crown and will be again with our help.
Congratulations and Let’s Eat!