'We know it will take a lot of work'

NORWALK — Brian Chase said right now he and his wife, Leslie, are just starting the long process of bringing Berry's Restaurant back to being the iconic landmark of Main Street Norwalk. The restaurant has been closed for months. It was purchased by the Chases at a sheriff's sale in mid-December, but the two just got the keys to the building last week. "We have a lot of work to do," Chase said Wednesday morning. "It has been shut down for three or four months with no utilities on. There are gas leaks and water leaks. The building is in pretty good shape ... mainly mechanical problems." Chase, who said there is no timetable for the restaurant to open, said along with getting the building back in shape there is the process of obtaining a liquor license along with vendors licenses. "I just got the keys on Friday," he said. "We had to wait for the sheriff's deed before we got the keys." Chase said he knows there is still a lot of interest in the restaurant. "We've had tons of response from the community," Chase said. "We get asked every day. We know people are excited to get the doors open again." Chase was quick to point out he and his wife have nothing to do with missing artifacts from the Firelands Historical Society. Sixty-six items were loaned to the restaurant in 1987 and just 24 have been recovered. "I just bought it," Chase said. "I have nothing to do with artifacts from 1987. I will find out more tonight at the meeting." The historical society was scheduled to meet Wednesday night. "We will happy to return any item and make sure they get anything that is theirs," Chase said. "I will be at the meeting tonight to find out what they need." Chase said the goal is "to get this back to the way it was. We know it will take a lot of work. "Just give us a chance."