Unfortunately, there were so many big news stories yesterday that news about three of our favorite local businesses was all but lacking. Sean bravely brought you a few details about the fires at Findlay Market and the building next to Grammer's. Here are some updates!
Findlay Market: The main market buildings were not damaged. The fire started when a shingle blew off the M&F Market on Vine and hit a transformer. The sparks hit some buildings, and soon the former Globe Furniture, the current Leader Furniture and two other buildings were on fire.
Grammer's: The bar did not catch on fire, as was erroneously reported all over the city. The building next to Grammer's, which houses the rathskeller, caught fire on the third floor. I just talked to Ryan Breen, the general manager, and he said while the rathskeller was pretty much destroyed by water damage, the rest of the bar will be fine. The bar suffered water damage, and the much-anticipated AC system was flooded. However, most of the important relics were spared or are salvageable.
Ryan is very optimistic about the reopening (there's no doubt it will reopen) and said it could be as early as a week. When we spoke, he was moving liquor bottles and cleaning up the bar.
[ed. 08.16.08 - Polly Campbell is now reporting that Grammer's re-opening looks to be early October]
Park + Vine: A piece of the roof--perhaps the lining? I'm no roof expert--was dislodged and is now hanging over the front of the building. Dan left a note on the door that says he hopes to be open tomorrow.
Thank goodness it wasn't worse. What a crazy couple of days. Keeping everyone in our thoughts over in Newport. Be good to your neighbors.
thanks for the update.
Bad news folks - Grammer's officially lost the Rathskeller as it will have to be walled off. We were able to salvage all wood carvings, etc. and thankfully the moosehead too (perhaps you saw us driving around downtown with it)
Side note on moose - given in 1928, it was the world's largest recorded moose from the hunting season of that year.
The main bar is fine, bar bathroom destroyed and will be redone, water damage in the middle and back rooms of main building, plus some other damages. We will unfortunately be closed for a month(ish), perhaps more but hopefully less. I will update.
Thank you for the care and support!
Fire shmire, we'll be back classier than ever.