HARMONY — There still isn't a set opening date for the revamped Harmony Inn, which is under new ownership after being bought in a sheriff's sale in August.

Bob McCafferty, who also owns the popular North County Brewing restaurant in Slippery Rock, bought the property and has been working for nearly four months to get it back open.

However, McCafferty said Tuesday that he wasn't able to close on the property until late November because of tax and other legal issues involved with the sheriff's sale.

In addition, the new owner said issues with licensure are holding up the process of reopening the landmark eatery.

“It's been a paperwork mess,” he said. “I can say that everyone has really been working well together, but it's still a process.”

That process includes obtaining a license from the state Department of Health, a license that wasn't current even when the Harmony Inn was still open under its previous ownership.

McCafferty said he can't secure his alcohol license from the state Liquor Control Board until the health license in approved, and the health license won't be approved until he installs a new rubber floor in the kitchen, a project that is under way.

Because of the plethora of paperwork, McCafferty said it's impossible to offer an accurate opening date for the restaurant.

The new owner reiterated Tuesday that he can't wait to get the property up and running, adding local officials have been very open and easy to work with.

There is a bit more to why McCafferty is so anxious to get the Harmony Inn back open for business.

He met his wife Jodi at the establishment many years ago, and the pair is ready to make more memories once the popular landmark is ready for business.

“We are very, very excited to get it back open,” he said.