Pictured are firefighters after a fire broke out at the Ye Hare 'n Hounds Inn in May 2017. After a plan to reopen the restaurant fell through the building is now scheduled for demolition. P-J file photo

BEMUS POINT — Historic restaurant Ye Hare ‘n Hounds Inn has been through a lot.

After decades of serving locals and tourists, the fine-dining establishment caught fire in 1974 and again in 2017, transforming it for better and worse. And now after former Jamestown residents had expressed interest in buying and rebooting the business, a change of plans will lead to the demolition of the building, scheduled tentatively for next week.

Bob Samuelson, Bemus Point code enforcement officer, confirmed that R. Patti Concrete and Excavating filed for permits Thursday to demolish the 64 Lakeside Drive building. The permits are in the process of being filled out, which is why no exact date for the demolition has been set.

“It’s going to be a big loss for the village,” Samuelson said.

Former owners Jennifer and Mike Garrett sold the establishment to Tom Meyers, owner of The Fish restaurant across the street. There has been no confirmation as to what will replace Hare ‘n Hounds. Meyers declined to comment on the situation when contacted Thursday.

This switch in plans for the restaurant comes after former Jamestown residents Robert Cusimano and Chris Olsen had planned to purchase the iconic Bemus Point restaurant and re-open it for business. The restaurant has been closed since May 24, 2017, after an exhaust chimney pipe deteriorated in the kitchen, allowing for heat from the broiler to get into the wall and cause a fire.

Cusimano and Olsen had been hopeful in planning to keep Hare ‘n Hounds up and running. However, they were unable to figure out a way forward, Olsen said.

Leading up to the demolition, members of the Bemus Point Volunteer Fire Department used the former restaurant as training grounds for training. Locals were also encouraged to visit the establishment earlier this week to pick up remaining fixtures, furniture and kitchen items so that the building would be empty for the demolition. Those who took items were encouraged to donate to the volunteer fire department.