DeKALB | The Holmes Student Center store that went down in a blaze last semester returned with at least some glory Tuesday.

After a grease fire forced it to close in October, the HSC’s Pizza Plus reopened just in time for the new semester. While it was closed, Pizza Plus took up residence in the Blackhawk Food Court.

Assistant manager Ninette Larson said the main change is the absence of a fryer in the shop.

“We still carry fried foods — we just use the fryer in the cook’s kitchen,” Larson said.

HSC director Mitchell Kielb said the business did not add any extra safety precautions to prevent a future fire and repair costs were nominal.

“We had to replace ceiling tiles, clean up smoke damage and repaint, but the cost was not overwhelming, that’s for sure,” Kielb said. “We were very lucky.”

Loyal customers were glad to see the restoration and reopening of Pizza Plus.

“I ate here every Tuesday and Thursday last semester, so I’m happy. I’m glad it’s back,” said junior physics major Adam Bracke.

The first thing many customers notice is the new red paint job.

“It’s nice to have them open. They did a nice job with the paint colors,” said Karen Smith, a specialist with the Employee Assistance and Wellness Program in the HSC.

In the future, a name change and themed menu could be a possibility, Kielb said.