Arianna BennettChannel 2 News
For the last three months-- the front doors have been closed locking inside the horrific memories of the shooting on September sixth, that killed four and injured seven others.
But now, they're open, and busy with all the hungry citizens who came to celebrate this important step forward. "It's been three long months. September 6th really put us down on our knees. It was a very, very tragic day in Carson and actually today marks a real break," says Carson City Sheriff Ken Furlong.
Ladonna Engel of Carson City adds, "We always came here. And it's not their fault that this happened."
"We wanted to be here. We hope our friends are here and we see some of them are working, so it's good," says Russell Smith of Minden.
It was a grand re-opening...but also the premiere of a brand new interior for the building.
A brand new facility to welcome back more than 30 employees who have been on paid leave for the last three months. "Seeing them all back here really makes you feel warm inside," says Furlong.
And you know what else makes you feel warm inside - pancakes.
A full house of customers enjoyed their tasty breakfasts, even a few local famous faces.
Governor Brian Sandoval was the first customer inside the doors and one of the first to take a syrup-covered bite.
And several members of law enforcement joined in too. "I had the scrambler! If you're in IHOP, you have to have pancakes!," says Furlong.
IHOP Regional Manager Peter Kouis adds, "We've had overwhelming support from the community, and we really appreciate their support in opening up here today."
For some of these customers coming back into the restaurant was an emotional moment.
They say it's impossible not to think about the lives lost that day.
But Carson City is one strong community and with enough positive thinking and pancakes, they say they'll be just fine. "We're back, we're in business. We were knocked down that day, but this resilient community is going to stand back up, and today was it," says Furlong.
Eduardo Sencion opened fire in the parking lot with an assault rifle before storming the IHOP. Five people, including Sencion, were killed.
