Cape May – Dec. 29 -The historic 1885 Merion Inn reopened Tuesday, Dec. 28 five days after a multi-alarm fire gutted the second and third floors of the building. The restaurant was left virtually unscathed save for damage in the back dining room where the ceiling collapsed and is currently under repair.

Owner Vicki Watson was at the helm last night as was jazz pianist George Mesterhazy, whose Grand piano was unharmed in the blaze which broke out at around 7 a.m. Dec. 23 on the second floor. Although the cause of the fire is believed to be accidental, details have yet to emerge. The restaurant will remain open through the New Year’s weekend.

Both Watson and Mesterhazy were rescued from the roof of the building. Erik Watson, brother of Vicki, was pulled from the second floor and was airlifted to Temple Burn Center by Atlantic Air Two where he remains in critical but stable condition.

For reservations click here: The Merion Inn