AJs Diner in Crossgar is to set to re-open in March.
The popular diner was substantially damaged in a Boxing Day fire in 2023 following a blaze which was believed to have started in the kitchen.
Over 50 firefighters helped tackle the blaze for several hours at the hugely popular restaurant, with local residents helping remove 15 large gas cylinders away from the rear of the building.
A specialist aerial appliance was also used as part of the Fire and Rescue Service response with both the Downpatrick Road and Station Road closed as firefighters tackled the flames.
The Boxing Day fire — which was reported in the early afternoon — saw nine appliances, including the aerial appliance, rushing to the scene with breathing apparatus teams sent into the building to tackle the flames.
Images from the scene posted on social media at the time showed the scale of the significant operation, with smoke billowing into the sky from the rear of the building where the kitchen is located.
Smoke also poured out from upstairs windows but No one was hurt in the blaze but no one was hurt.
Firefighters believe the blaze was centred on a kitchen-storeroom area in the building with an investigation launched to establish the cause of the fire.
Just over one year after the blaze, AJs is recruiting staff ahead of the March reopening.
The diner is seeking to recruit chefs to join its existing team, with experience in a busy kitchen essential.
Rowallane councillor Terry Andrews said news of the diner’s reopening will be warmly welcomed.
“AJs was universally popular and the diner’s reopening will not only create new jobs, but increase footfall in the heart of the village.”
He said people came from far and wide to eat at AJs which has been a mainstay of the Crossgar economy for many years
“The reopening of the business is a good news story and it is hard to believe it is 13 months since it was badly damaged,” Cllr Andrews continued.
“AJs is something of a landmark in Crossgar and I’ve no doubt that the diner will be very busy when the doors reopen.”
Cllr Andrews added: “The reopening of AJs is a win win for all local businesses as footfall will increase. It only seems like yesterday when the fire broke out but its March reopening is good news at the start of the New Year.”