Tom Lin, co-owner of the Alki Homestead, said it's in his best interest to restore the historic restaurant.

This week, Lin met up with the potential buyers of the Homestead, "Johnny and Rose" (Zhu is said to be the buyers last name, but Lin would not confirm that). They are still interested in purchasing the business, but a few conditions need to be met.

First, the restaurant has to come back as the Alki Homestead. The buyers are depending on its reputation and loyal customer base.

Lin and his co-owner Patrick Henley may have to make up the shortfall if the repairs from the fire that damaged the restaurant Jan. 16 are more than the buyers' original budget.

The buyers also want to be included in the restoration process to ensure the integrity of the building.

"I want it to stay the Homestead," said Lin. "It's a lot of history. The goal is to restore the Homestead one way or another. I'm positive the product will come out great."

The Homestead, built in 1903 and once known as Fir Lodge, is not ADA equipped. If substantial repairs are necessary, Lin said he plans to bring the building, an official Seattle landmark, up to code.

He is waiting on the insurance adjustor and contractor to finish inspecting the building before he will know what modifications or repairs will be necessary. He expects the roof will need to be replaced. The fire ruptured a hole in the roof, next to the landmarked Homestead sign. Lin said the floors and ceiling will also likely need to be replaced.

"There's a lot we won't know until this is over," he said.

Luckily, the 100-year-old dining table is still intact and in good shape.

"The outside looks fine," he said. "It's a sad thing but I think it will be so much better."

Lin said he is thinking about having a grand re-oping when repairs are finished.

So far, Lin and Henley plan to try and make payroll for the Homestead's eight to 10 employees, especially given the current job climate.

"The new Homestead may be even better," he said. "Just give it a chance."

Lin and Henley have also been seeking a buyer for Slices on Alki, which they have finally secured.

Chris Frothingham, executive chef at the Fish Club, located at the Marriott Waterfront hotel downtown, and Darryl Waits, a sous chef there, will take over the pizzeria, which will re-open in March after being closed since last November.

Lin said the owners, Frothingham an Alki resident, plan to add sandwiches and salads to the menu.

"I didn't know what the hell I was doing," said Lin, who ran the pizzeria and has said previously that he is not a restauranteur.

Lin declined to disclose the amount the company was sold for. He and Henley maintain ownership of the property, just as they would if the Homestead is sold.

The new owners will keep their positions at the Marriott, but Lin said he thinks they will run Slices for many years to come.

Rebekah Schilperoort can be reached at 783-1244 or rebekahs@robinsonnews.com.

Photo credit: Photo by Steve Shay

WHERE THERE'S SMOKE. Alki Homestead general manager and chef Chris Long inspects dining room table settings layered with smoke from the recent fire on Jan. 16.