PENN TWP —- Reichhold’s Cafe on Route 8 should be open by week’s end.

The rear southwest corner of the three-story building sustained heavy damage Saturday morning when an SUV veered off Route 8 and crashed into it.

On Monday, contractors were replacing an emergency support beam firefighters had placed to stabilize the structure with a permanent support.

Building owner Chuck Michalski of Penn Township said in addition to the outside wall, damage also was done to the building’s electric system and plumbing. The work needs to be approved by the state police fire marshal before business can resume, Michalski said.

Michalski said he could not yet provide a money estimate for the damage.

When the crash happened about 9:46 a.m., about 50 patrons and employees were there. There were no injuries to anyone inside.

Witnesses said the SUV, driven by 19-year-old David Thinnes of Penn Township, turned north onto Route 8 from Brownsdale Road, but veered through oncoming traffic in both lanes, hit a utility pole and a mailbox before crashing into the southwest corner of the building.

Thinnes, who reported he “blacked out,” was taken to a Pittsburgh hospital after the crash, police said.

The restaurant is run by the Reichhold family.