A little over a year after Green Street fire on March 23, 2011, Zorba’s owner Matt Mortenson reopened the gyros stand that has been serving campus since 1973.

Thursday’s customers were greeted by an all new layout. The kitchen is now on the southwest corner of the restaurant, which means the larger seating area is now off to the left.

Additionally, a new wheelchair ramp leads customers from the door to the counter, where they will pass new customized lighting fixtures.

Mortenson’s Block I-shaped collage of Illini sports clippings is still there, as it was salvaged from the fire along with two campus-themed murals, which are now hung on the eastern wall.

In addition to some of the same decor, Zorba’s customers will also find the same menu.

Mortenson said there was never a time when he considered not rebuilding Zorba’s, though it involved a long process of dealing with insurance companies and the landlord to make sure the building was up to code. For example, the basement ceiling was not high enough at first, so he had to have the floor dug deeper.

The community has been very encouraging every step of the way, Mortenson said.

“Everyone on Facebook was posting and saying they’ve got to get in line a month in advance,” Mortenson said.

One customer, Jerry Montgomery, said he’s been coming to Zorba’s for lunch since 1974, and is thrilled to have it back. While it was closed, he went to other restaurants in the area, which said he enjoyed, “but it wasn’t Zorba’s.”

Montgomery ordered the chili, which he said was “wonderful as ever,” and convenient because it is served year-round. He plans to resume eating lunch at Zorba’s about four times per week.

As a result of the new layout, live acts will now be able to perform in the large customer area by the window facing Green Street. Local jazz bands are already contacting Mortenson about performing at Zorba’s once again.

Michael Smith, junior in LAS, said he mostly comes to Zorba’s for Jazz Nights on Thursdays.

“It’s good to have places like this back,” Smith said.

Mortenson said the support from the community has been “overwhelming.” He added that he received three flower deliveries from local businesses welcoming him back.

“This busiest lunch we’ve ever had,” he said. “It’s very touching; it means everything to me. We’re selling gyros and fries, but it’s about the relationships we make. ”