It’s been a long five months for the Loper family.

As the main individuals behind the Pig In A Pit barbecue restaurant, the Lopers have had to find new equipment, re-establish business connections, fill out a virtually uncountable amount of paperwork, handle inspections, sweep, clean, mop, hammer — if it’s anything to do with opening a business, it’s been done.

“We can’t wait to come back into Milledgeville, especially with a downtown location,” Ben Loper, a co-owner of Pig In A Pit, said.

Nearly five months ago Pig In A Pit, which had seen a thriving restaurant location on North Columbia Street in the Video Warehouse shopping plaza, was completely destroyed by what fire officials would later be quoted as calling “one of the worst fires in Milledgeville history.”

On Feb. 10 fire crews spent more than five hours battling a blaze that spread through Pig In A Pit Bar-B-Que, Discount Mattress and Video Warehouse, all of 1835 N. Columbia St. in the Video Warehouse Shopping Center.

“I saw smoke across the street and by the time I got to my car I could see fire coming up from the back. It was like a giant fireball [when it started],” eyewitness Gloria Reece told The Union-Recorder in a Feb. 10 interview.

The cause of the blaze was eventually ruled as “undetermined” by the State Fire Marshal’s Office after a month-long investigation was concluded in late March.

“We’re excited to be coming back and want to thank everyone for their support. We want to invite them to come to downtown and eat with us as soon as we open our doors,” Loper said.

The Lopers, who promised to continue business in Milledgeville, have so far kept to their word.

A large “Southern Pride Smoke Pit” is now in place in the back where the barbecue will be cooked for patient patrons.

A front counter is also visible where the cash register and newly-printed menus will help hungry customers decide on orders.

In the back, shelves are going up, floors are being swept, lights are in place and fire inspections have thus far all seemed to sweep through with flying colors.

“We believe at this point that we should be open by the first of August. We’ve still got some stuff to square away and finish with the insurance companies,” Loper said. “The August date is tentative, but we hope to be open soon.”

In preparation for the grand re-opening, Pig In A Pit is currently accepting applications for new employees.

At least 10 were taken on Wednesday, and Loper plans to take additional applications next Wednesday from 1 to 5 p.m.