Destroyed restaurant could soon return

SEEKONK, Mass. (WPRI) -- A historic restaurant destroyed by a fiery crash could be back up and running early next year.

A tractor trailer slammed into The Old Grist Mill Tavern in Seekonk and hit a gas main back in June, causing the 18th Century building to go up in flames.

• Full Story: Truck Fire Destroys Old Grist Mill
• Photos: Old Grist Mill Fire

The owner received a permit to rebuild in mid-July , and the tavern's chef tells us that construction could be right around the corner.

"It's been a long clean-up process, but as of this week it looks like we could be ready to go to begin the building process, and that's good news for everyone there," said Chef Ricky Belasco.

A redesign plan is also in place for the dangerous curve in front of the former restaurant , which played a factor in the devastating crash.

Belasco says the Old Grist Mill Tavern could re-open before Saint Patrick's Day.