Staff who have been out of work since a grease fire burned the kitchen at PB Ale House are getting a second chance.
They'll start working at Backyard Kitchen and Tap when it opens Friday in Pacific Beach.
Close to 120 people escaped injury Feb. 16 when the popular PB AleHouse on Grand Avenue was damaged by fire.
A grease fire traveled through the building's exhaust system and started a second fire in the attic.
Since the business has closed for repairs, the community has pitched in according to Johnny Leal, General Manager with PB Ale House.
“They're really stepping up to the plate and reaching out to us and trying to find different ways to help our staff which is great,” Leal said.
“We're a lot more of a family versus a place of employment for a lot of these people," he added.
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So now, the restaurant is putting employees to work its three locations.
The restaurant is part of OMG Hospitality Group, which includes PB AleHouse, and Union Kitchen & Tap restaurants in Encinitas and the Gaslamp.
PB Alehouse was expected to open in the next 60 to 90 days, he said.
