Hank Dietle's Tavern announces permit approved to start rebuild

ROCKVILLE, Md. - Hank Dietle's Tavern, a staple in Montgomery County for a century, has announced its permit to rebuild has been approved after a fire ripped through the historic bar in February.

The tavern posted on Facebook, "Yessiree and alright! We are in receipt of a beautifully stamped Montgomery County building permit! And so it begins. First on the list, lumber! Thank you for your continued support, this would not be possible without it."

The fire at Hank Dietle's Tavern, which broke out in the early morning hours of Valentine's Day, appeared to have been sparked by discarded smoking materials on the front porch of the building, according to officials.

The two-story cottage-style building on Rockville Pike was originally constructed in 1916. Decades later, it opened as Hank Dietle's Tavern in the 1950s, after a fire destroyed the establishment that preceded it in the same location. It has become a fixture in the area, and those who frequented it say Hank Dietle's was a place where everyone was welcome.

Owner Tony Hun  iak still had the liquor license on the wall -- No. 001 -- the first post-prohibition license granted in Montgomery County. Huniak, who has owned the business for more than 20 years, quickly announced his hope to rebuild and the community rallied to help raise money to restore the bar. A GoFundMe established for the bar raised more than $17,000.