PENN TWP —- Reichhold’s Cafe 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 that 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 approved by the state police fire marshal before the business can reopen, Michalski said.

The restaurant, run by the Reichhold family, has been the building’s lone tenant since November.

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

“Thankfully, no one in the building or parking lot was injured,” he said.

When the crash happened about 9:46 a.m. Saturday, about 50 patrons and employees were there.

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, hitting a utility pole and a mailbox, leaving a trail of debris 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. However, it was not known if he was taken there for injuries in the wreck or for another reason.

Township police are investigating.