Bay Breeze reopens after storm damage

The Bay Breeze Restaurant and Bar in Birch Bay has reopened, seven months after it was badly damaged in a powerful storm.

The restaurant, located at 7829 Birch Bay Drive, was red-tagged – deemed unsafe to enter – by county officials following the destructive December 20 storm that left Birch Bay Drive in tatters.

Upwards of $5 million in damage was incurred locally from the storm, which saw sustained winds reaching 50 mph and gusts peaking at 60 mph. During the storm, low atmospheric pressure caused a storm surge in Birch Bay that lifted 3-to-5-foot waves over the drive, crashing into businesses and homes.

Bay Breeze was one of the businesses most severely affected. Recognized by its bright-blue exterior, the restaurant had just opened last year in May. After being condemned due to water damage, it was forced to cancel all events and close until further notice.

Owner Chris Choi said he had to spend more than $200,000 to refurbish the restaurant, which included installing a new concrete floor. He also obtained new permits and underwent electrical and fire inspections.

The restaurant had to be restaffed with more than 20 individuals, about 60 percent of whom are returning staff.

On July 12, the restaurant finally reopened with a soft opening and limited menu. A full menu is expected to be introduced this week.

The restaurant is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday. On Friday and Saturday, it is open from 11 a.m. to midnight with karaoke starting at 9 p.m.

Choi wished to thank the entire Birch Bay community for their support during the restaurant’s closure, which included a silent auction and benefit concert by The Replayzmentz one week after the storm. “I got a lot of help from the community and I really appreciated them,” he said.