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CENTRAL LAKE - The Blue Pelican will rise from the ashes after going down in flames July 31, when three fire crews joined forces in a hopeless effort to save the local favorite.

The restaurant's future seemed as dark as the cloud of smoke rising from the rooftop, which melted and caved as employees and neighbors gathered to watch.

But for owner Chris Corbett, who was in Virginia at the time of the fire, the future began taking shape in sketches during the flight home Tuesday evening, already plotting the restaurant's resurrection.

"We're going to start building right away," Corbett said. "The insurance company is already working with me to get things moved along. They've already finished the damage survey."

Much of the art work was rescued from the flames, which burned throughout the attic, according to Corbett, who reports the coolers were spared and the smokers in the rear of the kitchen were also untouched.

Fire crews, who received the call around 9:30 a.m. and responded quickly, entered the structure and noticed the pleasant aroma of smoked meat, Corbett said.

"My former manager (Elissa Wagoner) called me while I was in Virginia," Corbett said. "I was in a meeting and she said, 'Hey Chris, there's smoke coming out of the Pelican.' Right away I thought it was just the smokerÉbut she said it wasn't that kind of smoke."

Corbett called his wife, who immediately left the house en route to the Pelican.

"I had to get up and drive out there and see smoke billowing into the sky as I crossed the village," Merrie Corbett said. "(Chris) had a chance to prepare for the sight, but for me it was a blast in the face."

State fire officials are thinking it was an electrical fire, according to Central Lake Fire Chief Bill Chapman, who said the signs point that direction, though the official cause has yet to go on record. He said nothing about the fire suggests foul play.

"They think it was electrical but I doubt it was that," Corbett said. "We didn't use one lick of anything old in that place."

Given the chance to start anew, Corbett penciled in a larger dining room and sunroom, with space to accommodate music should the weather turn bad. The kitchen will be moved from the south side of the building to the west, while quicker paths for servers and a larger bar and entryway will also be added.

"Just like the phoenix, the Blue Pelican will rise from the ashes," Corbett beamed.

Indeed, the heartbeat of the Pelican seems to still be going strong as business has been moved to the Pelican Room where limited menus are offered Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. The weekend will welcome scheduled events only, Corbett said. And all employees still have their jobs.

Recording record-setting numbers in the weeks previous to the fire, Corbett said business was up 20-25 percent higher than previous years, with 250-300 patrons visiting per night.

When asked how the community of Central Lake had responded to the painful loss, Merrie Corbett exclaimed before the question was finished, "Oh my gosh, they're just amazing. Cards, flowers, letters, hugs and best wishes from everyone," she said. "I didn't realize how many people were touched by the restaurant. It was the favorite spot for so many. I guess you get so engrossed in what you're doing that you don't realize. It was real important for us to know that the community was behind us."

As far away as Elk Rapids, which held its annual Harbor Days Grand Parade on Saturday, people showed their support and sympathy for the Corbett's as the Blue Pelican truck passed by parade spectators, who applauded loudly.

Ê Chris Tredway can be reached at ctredway@michigannewspapers.com or by calling 231-533-8523. Ê