BATON ROUGE - Dearman’s and Bocage Shopping Center have announced that one of the Capital City’s staple eateries will return to its original home by as soon as September.

Dearman’s Soda Shop has served up burgers and shakes to the Baton Rouge community for more than 58 years. A fire broke out in the restaurant in the early hours of March 1 earlier this year, destroying the Jefferson Highway diner.

On Tuesday, Dearman’s and the shopping center signed a new lease, and said plans are underway to rebuild the restaurant in its familiar location.

“We look forward to many years of providing the great food and family atmosphere so many people have come to enjoy.  We'd also like to thank Hill Properties for their commitment to reestablishing Dearman's and for valuing  its role as a community asset,” said Dearman’s owner, David Van Gelder.

Property manager Mitch Richardson said Dearman’s has signed a five-year lease with an anticipated return coming as soon as this fall.

"We are pleased to have Dearman's back as an important part of our family of tenants - uniquely local businesses which make our shopping center distinct. We are eager to reopen," said Richardson. "Dearman's is clearly a Baton Rouge institution, and we are delighted to be able to continue its legacy in its original location.”