Nearly Famous owner considers move

Her restaurant, Nearly Famous Deli & Pasta House, 1828 S. Kentwood Ave., suffered a debilitating fire May 13. Now, Miller spends her days wrangling with insurance companies, inspecting fire-damaged equipment and scouting possible relocation sites.

She doesn’t want to relocate, but at this point it’s 50-50. Miller doesn’t own the land Nearly Famous is on, behind Plaza Tower at Sunshine and Glenstone. That’s owned by Singleton & Associates LLC.

“We’re still in a holding pattern, but we remain optimistic,” Miller said.

A new location could provide more dining space and better parking than its 30-year home, Miller said.

Nearly Famous’ founder Suze Dunville Powell, who sold the eatery to Miller in February, said she isn’t involved in the restoration or relocation work. She is, however, hopeful it will reopen soon.

“It’s painful for everybody,” she said. “It’s kind of like home turf for lots and lots and lots of people in Springfield.”

Miller doesn’t know how soon Nearly Famous will reopen. She’s kicked around the idea of opening a temporary food trailer on site but hasn’t checked into the cost or legality of such action.

“It keeps our name out there and people, their addictions, are getting fed,” she said.

She was once hopeful that she would open a temporary location in an actual building, but that expectation is dimming. She’s discovered the move would be costly, even if she could sign a short-term lease.

Insurance is covering lost revenues, which she wouldn’t disclose, and should pay enough to rebuild. One construction estimate was more than $100,000, though bids are still coming in.

The fire apparently was electrical, starting on the outside of the building with no human fault.

No one was hurt, either. The blaze began at 10 a.m. and only six employees were at the restaurant preparing for its 11 a.m. opening.

Miller said firefighters quickly extinguished the flames, but the kitchen was a loss. The dining room wasn’t damaged, save for wet insulation and smoke damage. Firemen punched holes in the roof to vent the fire. “We have a new skylight,” Miller joked.