TEXARKANA, Texas - Furniture sits outside under the covered patio. Heavy equipment flanks the perimeter. The sounds of deployed tools can be heard in the interior of Silver Star Smokehouse along Interstate 30. The restaurant is now shut down as the staff and crew conduct a complete stem to stern interior overhaul, whose inspiration was found in the February hard freeze.
"Twenty-six pipes burst," said David Alvis, who owns the Silver Star Smokehouse here as well as the ones in Shreveport and Bossier City. "The result completely destroyed our kitchen and equipment."
According to Alvis, it did not stop there.
"Our fire suppression system was triggered by the same shortly after that," he said. "Which pretty much finished the job."
As a result, the restaurant had to be shut down for complete repairs. So since they were in that situation, they decided to make it a top-to-bottom remodel, refit and re-equip.
"We got started after the damage was done on Feb. 14," said Alvis. "We've been at it about 60 days. We aim to be completed by mid-May."
Alvis says that returning customers can expect a whole new look and experience, as well as new menu items.
"All hands on deck," for this job, Alvis said. "The entire staff is involved with this, helping with the process. I wanted to make sure my staff was taken care of through this, as well as the business. So they are on the reconstruction crew."
Donnie Spriggs, general manager of the restaurant says the city has been a big help in getting them through this.
"City officials, our customers, civic organizations like the Chamber of Commerce and more, they've all been a tremendous help," he said. "They all have been patient and very supportive of what we are doing here."
(Silver Star Smokehouse is located at 5205 W. Park Blvd.)