SHERBURNE – A little over four years after closing down, Lewis' Restaurant in Sherburne reopened its doors at its famed lighthouse location on May 1, and since then, owner Rich Lewis said the response from the community has been "euphoric."

"The reception from the community has been absolutely incredible," said Lewis. "We had one customer say, 'It's like you never left.'"

Returning to Lewis' Restaurant, along with its owners Rich and Cindy Lewis, are the majority of the restaurant's former staff, including its chef, waiting staff, and bartender.

Prior to its closing in late 2013, Lewis' Restaurant was a staple in Sherburne for 71 years––43 of which Rich Lewis was involved.

"I tell my wife, 'The first 43 years were work. Now let's have some fun,'" said Lewis.

The re-purchase of the lighthouse location – nestled at the junction of state Routes 12 and 12-B on the north side of town – was closed by the Lewis' on February 1.

Beginning that day, they began the undertaking of remodeling the interior of the lighthouse to get things just the way they wanted.

"We thought we had an idea of what we wanted to do, but like everything else, we ended up doing a lot more than we originally anticipated," said Lewis.