One Year After Fire 'Cheers of Portsmouth' Returns

PORTSMOUTH, NH - Patrons flocked back to the "Cheers of Portsmouth" over the weekend as the State Street Street Saloon reopened as The Statey Bar and Grill on Deer Street. According to the Union Leader, the building the bar was housed in burned down in a five-alarm fire last year.

Owner Eli Sokorelis was happy to see so many of his longtime customers and friends at the opening.“It feels like we’re whole again,” he said.

Inside, the outdoor signs of the old saloon now hang. A large bar spans the right side and the left, with tables between. Former Portsmouth City Councilor Joshua Cyr was enjoying a burger with a co-worker.

“It feels great. There is good food, and I just got my first beer. There are a lot of familiar faces,” he said.

Michael Conley, the son of Sokorelis, said people began lining up outside at 10:30 a.m. to get in. He expressed gratitude to all who have supported the business and his family and continue to. “Just everyone has been amazing,” Conley said.

Check out the full article at Union Leader here.