MARIA MELGAR / Special to the PVTSu Mesa?s golden exterior stands along East Calvada Boulevard. Pictured at left and from left to right in the rejuvenated dining area are Arcelia Alfaro, owner Maria Zepeda, Cruz Bautista and Isabel Pina. MARIA MELGAR / Special to the PVTSu Mesa?s golden exterior stands along East Calvada Boulevard. Pictured at left and from left to right in the rejuvenated dining area are Arcelia Alfaro, owner Maria Zepeda, Cruz Bautista and Isabel Pina. Advertisement

Five months after the disastrous fire that caused the restaurant to close, Su Mesa is finally back in business.

With an expanded menu and a license to sell liquor, Su Mesa is better than ever.

After two Molotov cocktails -- one placed on the outside and the other thrown in through a window -- severely damaged the front area and the flames consumed everything in their path, Su Mesa was forced to close down amidst a cloud of uncertainty.

Maria Zepeda, the owner, is very composed about it now and even goes on to say, "People ask me all of the time if I am angry, if I think it was a hate crime, or if maybe it was something against me personally, and I always answer them that I really have no idea. It is still unresolved, but the people that need to take care of it are doing their job.

"I, on the other hand, have stopped worrying about it and have decided to live in the present. It was very difficult when it happened, but I'm over it now. I am actually thankful with whoever did it, because they gave me strength and courage, along with the opportunity to have a new beginning."

In fact, Maria considers herself fortunate because throughout this difficult experience, she has encountered many who have been willing to lend her a hand.

She particularly thanks Bill Eyserbeck of Silverbrook Homes, Morales Construction, Avena Electric and Jon Aire Inc. for their collaboration in making the reopening possible.

Aside from some alterations to the bar area, the interior looks much as it did pre-fire.

And the food remains first class.

Su Mesa's loyal costumers, including many Las Vegas residents, have also been very supportive. Aug. 5, many were waiting outside for the doors to finally reopen.

For those still unfamiliar with Su Mesa, it is located at 1560 E. Calvada Blvd., and it is open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Take out is available and Su Mesa can be contacted at 775-537-6880.