Mike W. Bryant
Northern News Services

Fort Providence (May 10/02) - Three months and $700,000 later, a popular Mackenzie Highway pit stop has re-opened for breakfast.

The Big River Service Centre near Fort Providence burned to the ground late last January after an attempt to melt frozen pipes with a torch turned to disaster.

Some parts of the centre were 50 years old. Big River re-opened its gas bar a few days later, and turned an adjacent trailer into a temporary convenience store, but the restaurant, general store and office were destroyed. The restaurant re-opened for lunch last Thursday.

Co-owner Cheryl Patenaude said they will take the time waiting for spring break-up to ease back into business.

"It's kind of nice in one way, so we can get some of the glitches out before the traffic starts again," said Patenaude.

Business hours will vary for the next few days, but Big River expects the restaurant to be back to its normal 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. hours shortly.

"We're not having any specials during break-up," laughed Patenaude, "because a bit of our equipment hasn't arrived yet, so we're just making do."