First look inside rebuilt Papa Dan’s after beloved restaurant was destroyed in fire

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – Papa Dan's will soon make its return to Palm Desert, nearly a year and a half after it was destroyed in a fire.

Papa Dan's, along with three other businesses in Palm Desert, burned down in April of 2024, after an arson attack. The restaurant first opened its doors in 1984.

It's been a long road to recovery. Earlier this year, Ira Mosley, the owner of the beloved restaurant, recounted the hurdles he has had to overcome.

As the restaurant nears reopening early in 2026, it will be opening its doors to city leaders Wednesday afternoon to tour the new space. Ahead of that tour, for the first time, Mosley is giving News Channel 3 a chance to look inside the restaurant that has been steadily working towards rebuilding.

We're showing you inside and hearing from Mosley about the long journey it's taken to reopen the Palm Desert staple. Stay with us for the latest updates.