Seven months ago, tragedy struck in Smokey Point as three businesses were devastated by fire. Bigfoot Music, #1 Teriyaki and a local pawn shop suffered major damage when fire ripped through the attached storefronts on November 2, 2009.

To the delight of Snohomish County musicians, Bigfoot Music has reopened with new inventory, a clean and inviting layout, and a renewed passion to serve the local community.

"It seems like people are happy to see us back," said Ryan Laffin, one of the two owners of Bigfoot Music. "It's been a long road, and it's so great to be open again."

For the past seven months, Laffin and his business partner Deric Dobesh have operated out of their homes and on their cell phones. Although they haven't had a retail storefront, Bigfoot Music continued to serve the needs of school music programs while arranging for repairs and special orders.

The store, back in its original location at 3405-172nd St. NW in the Smokey Point Plaza, has even expanded its product line in the process of rebuilding. They now carry Peavey products, the high-tech Roland V-drums, and will soon be Fender and Squire dealers.

But Bigfoot Music has always been about more than the products.

"It's a family environment, like a Mom and Pop shop," said Laffin. "People come here to hang out, to shoot the breeze and find out what's going on in the music community. It's like a family."

Visit the new store Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 3 p.m. The Web site, www.bigfootmusic.com, is undergoing a remodel as well, and should back at full speed soon.