BROOKYLN -- A restaurant closed because of a tragedy reopened Tuesday morning with loyal customers waiting to walk in the doors.

The Cracker Barrel, located at 5100 Tiedeman Road in Brooklyn, has been closed since a shooting the evening of April 12.

Police say shortly after 8:30 that evening Kevin Allen walked inside the restaurant with a rifle, found his wife and daughters and shot them at close range.

His wife Kate and 10-year-old daughter Kerri Allen both died from their injuries. Kayla, the only survivor, has been upgraded to serious condition at MetroHealth Medical Center.

Police fatally shot Kevin Allen when he would not drop his gun.

In her call to 911, Kate Allen told police she'd just informed her husband she planned to leave him and he was not taking it well. Flowers are still in the parking lot to honor the three victims. The shooting happened as the family celebrated Kerri's birthday.

The Cracker Barrel Country Store, where some of the shootings happened, has had a floor to ceiling remodel. Employees were paid during the time the eatery was closed. Some even helped in the remodeling process.

Julie Davis, a spokeswoman, said that the reopen comes with "mixed emotions." She said they were most encouraged to hear that Kayla was making progress because she is no longer listed in critical condition.  The company made a donation to the fund established for the family.

Ruth Hargis was one of the first customers who returned Tuesday Morning.

"We missed coming here and we know quite a few employees," Hargis said.  "You know, after you come here for so long, you are like family with them."

WKYC-TV