By Bob Wilson | WTNH-TV | Sept. 19, 2007

A landmark diner devastated by fire a year ago is finally rebuilding.

O'Rourke's Diner in Middletown has been a favorite of many people for years and now it appears folks will again be able to sit down and enjoy a meal by year's end.

Inside O'Rourke's, the charred building is still gutted to the timbers with only dreams of a new kitchen and dining room. The diner has been on Main Street for more than 60 years and fundraisers have been working hard to make sure it returns.

"The morning after the fire, Brian was down here with about 300 people. At that moment we decided we were going to bring the diner back. It had to come back because it was so important to the community," said fundraiser Larry Marino.

Brian O'Rourke is the owner of the diner and is grateful for the outpouring of support.

"I had nothing to do with this. It's people like Larry and his committee who want it to come back and they say it's a part of this community. It feels good to be standing here right now knowing that it really is coming back. It's a reality now," said Brian.

O'Rourke's has had its share of famous patrons, including Clint Eastwood, but it's all about the every day people who raised more than $185,000 to rebuild the diner.

"It is going to look a little different. It will still have the same configurations, a little more room in the booths," Brian said.

While the diner will be new, you might recognize some of the art work. Brian says he had removed some of the old pictures and posters to have them reframed just before the fire.

O'Rourke's is hoping to serve their first meal between Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Originally published online here: http://www.wtnh.com/Global/story.asp?S=7102207