A popular Italian restaurant has reopened after a fire forced it to close just before Christmas last year. Lunardi's held their soft re-opening Wednesday evening. The restaurant had been closed since December of last year.

The owner says he was overwhelmed by the community support and is excited to see people back in the restaurant. "I'm so happy to see customers back in and eating our great food and talking. It's just great to see the atmosphere and I'm just so excited and humbled by the support." Lunardi's will open to the public Thursday from 10 a.m. until 11 p.m.