Sal's is looking for a way back

Sal's owner says he wants to reopen ... if the landlord wants to rebuild
(Globe staff photo by John Bohn)

WALTHAM

The remains of the Main Street building occupied by Sal's Family Restaurant before it was destroyed by a fire last summer have been torn down.

The restaurant's owner, Salvatore "Sal" Pinzone, said that heavy equipment began the demolition Monday. By Tuesday night, all that remained was a pile of dirt and debris and a pit where the basement once was, he said.

Pinzone did not own the building, and he's not sure if his landlord will rebuild.

"I don't know what they're gonna do there," Pinzone said of the building, which also housed a small grocery store, California Convenience. " I intend to call sometime in the near future and see what they're gonna build there. If it's commercial, I'd like to rent there, even if it's in a smaller space."

The property's owner, Harriet Goldman, could not be reached for comment.

-- Stephanie V. Siek