HOT OFF THE WIRE Old firehouse is smokin' - The Daily Times, Salisbury, Md. In the spring of 2005, Pittsville resident Todd Wampler arrived home and announced to his wife Carroll that he had found a building and wanted to open a restaurant. The building of which he spoke was the original Station 7 of the Pittsville Volunteer Fire Department. After it was sold by the fire department in the early 1970s, the building fell into a state of great disrepair over the years. Most people were extremely skeptical of Todd’s grasp of reality when listening to him describe his plans for the restaurant. Fortunately, Carroll shared his vision. After contacting the owner and arranging the sale and zoning changes required, Todd and Carroll set to work on a plan to restore this historically important building, both to honor the great firefighting tradition of Delmarva and to give the local community a new place to get together for great times and great food. The Wamplers’ plan made every effort to preserve the original structure and character of the building. This included the restored pressed tin ceiling in the dining room, the refinished original hardwood floor and tongue and groove ceiling of the banquet room, and the exposed original brick thorough the building. A modern addition on the back of the structure to was built to house a state of the art kitchen and a giant Southern Pride smoker. The enormity of the project required additional manpower, and in October 2006, Carroll’s brother Rob Scully arrived from Wilmington, DE. Rob’s intentions were to assist in the finishing of the renovations and then help with staff training and opening to the public. However, due to the overwhelming reception of Station 7 Restaurant by the local residents, Rob started working and never left. Todd, Carroll and Rob have all been in and around the restaurant business for many years. Todd graduated with honors from Johnson and Wales University in with a degree in Culinary Arts, and with Carroll owned a restaurant in Charleston, SC. Carroll and Rob are Fightin’ Blue Hens, both having graduated from the University of Delaware. Station 7 Restaurant is now open in Pittsville, Maryland, in the original Station No. 7 of the Wicomico County Emergency Services Department at 7456 Gumboro Road. The menu features American fare with a southern twist. In honor of the esteemed firefighting community and their legendary cuisine, the menu also showcases barbecue and smoked items, as well as signature dishes like chili and 5 Alarm Buffalo wings. Serving lunch and dinner, Station 7 is both affordable and fun for the whole family. |
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