Jack Studiale had hoped he'd be serving customers at Tropical Acres again by now.
A fire tore apart his Dania Beach family restaurant on Aug. 30, and securing 13 permits for roofing, fire suppression, floor plans and more, has taken longer than he thought.
"It's a daunting task," he said.
He's hoping the roofing permit will be approved this week by the City of Dania Beach.
He now expects to spend his first Christmas at home since he began working at his father's restaurant in the '60s.
His wife and kids usually celebrate at home, but he's usually at the restaurant.
"I'll be the odd guest," he said laughing.
With his nephew and restaurant manager, Michael Greenlaw, he talked kitchen floor plans and butcher blocks Monday morning.
It's clear he's anxious to get to work. Sixty-four employees are depending on it.
"We haven't even swung a hammer!" he lamented.
Studiale says cards, emails, and even donations have inspired his family since a piece of laundry equipment sparked the overnight fire.
Greenlaw just read his 454th email about it. Studiale figures he's received even more, plus cards.
The family now aims to reopen the restaurant by Jan. 30.
