Heartbreak for so many this morning as news starts to filter through about the damage caused by the horrific fire on Main Street last night. As the smoke clears from the three-alarm fire, the shocking reality is now becoming crystal clear. Words fail me frankly.
This visceral post over on Reddit shows the aftermath of the devastation. The pictures are thoroughly sobering, making it abundantly clear that many stalwarts of the downtown bar and dining scene have suffered tremendously. It appears that London Belle, Whiskey Street, White Horse, and Los Tapatios have all been ravaged. KUTV report that a total of five businesses have been destroyed, at a loss of $5 million. That said, it seems impossible to affix any meaningful figure to the colossal loss that will be felt by so many. Mercifully, given the scale of the event, no loss of life has been reported.
I’m certain there are 1000s, like me, that have been brought endless joy by this small strip of the city; not least the cast of wonderful servers, bartenders, and chefs – who made this central area – the city’s number one destination. Fabulous drinks and food, laughter and memories. An afternoon lunch al fresco before a browse through vintage books. Ill-advised midnight karaoke after a cheeky absinthe or two.
The Downtown Alliance quickly issued the following statement regarding the incident this morning:
. . .
Our hearts are heavy this morning as we reflect on the devastating fire that destroyed beloved businesses in the heart of our Downtown.
We are grateful beyond measure to the Salt Lake City Fire Department, Police Department, and other first responders who acted quickly and bravely to contain the fire, protect surrounding buildings, and ensure that every customer and employee was safely evacuated. We are relieved to know that only one firefighter sustained minor injuries and is expected to recover.
These buildings date back to 1920, and have long been a part of the fabric of Main Street—home to beloved local businesses and gathering places that bring life, culture, and connection to our community. While the full extent of the damage is still being assessed, we know that the effects will ripple far beyond the walls of the impacted property.
The Downtown Alliance is in contact with the property owners, who have shared with us their intent to rebuild. This commitment gives us hope as we look toward restoring the vitality of this block.
In the days ahead, the Downtown Alliance will work closely with city leaders, business owners, and our community partners to support those affected. We will share information about ways the public can help as soon as those opportunities become clear.
Downtown Salt Lake City has always been defined by its resilience and its people. Together, we will support those impacted, rebuild, and restore the vibrancy of this cherished block.
. . .
With the event so raw, there’s no news on what’s next for those affected. That’ll come in time. For now, it’s heartening to hear the property owner’s initial response is to rebuild. In the days ahead, I’m hoping for an official campaign to emerge to assist the huge number of employees rendered jobless (update: less than 24 hours is all it took). I’ve also seen businesses offering to chip in and help those left without work (Bourbon Group alone had 150+ working at these two locations). I’ll be sharing any updates below as the situation evolves.
In the interim, those wanting to show direct support for those affected should note the Bourbon Group (Whiskey Street, White Horse) still operates the wonderful Franklin Avenue (231 S Edison St), and Los Tapatios has several other locations for patrons to support.
Updates
Aug 12, 11.35 a.m.: Cheers 2 You reports that they didn’t sustain too much damage beyond smoke.
Aug 12, 12.02 p.m.: Felt has suffered no damage but has lost power and food, and will be closed temporarily.
Aug 12, 12.30 p.m. – Eva posted to Instagram that while they’ve suffered smoke and water damage, no major damage was sustained. The business plans to reopen.
Aug 12, 12.54 p.m. – An Instagram story from Bodega / The Rest only mentions smoke damage, but nothing further. Closed today, but sounds like it will be back shortly.
Aug 12, 12.57 p.m. – An Instagram story from Aker reports no damage and is open for business.
Aug 12, 3.11 p.m. – Utah Book and Magazine looks to be largely unscathed, with owner Pete Marshall telling the Trib the business only “saw a small amount of water”.
By August 13th, the following fundraiser had launched. Overseen by the Downtown Alliance, the fund will be dispersed directly to those employees affected.
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Hi, I’m Stuart, nice to meet you! I’m the founder, writer and wrangler at Gastronomic SLC. I’m a multiple-award winning journalist and have written in myopic detail about the Salt Lake City dining scene for the better part of seventeen years.
I’ve worked extensively with multiple local publications from Visit Salt Lake to Salt Lake Magazine, not least helped to consult on national TV. Pause those credits, yep, that’s me! I’m also a former restaurant critic of more than five years, working for the Salt Lake Tribune. I’m largely fueled by a critical obsession with rice, alliteration and the use of big words I don’t understand. What they’re saying about me: “Not inaccurate”, “I thought he was older”, “I don’t share his feelings”.
Want to know more? This is why I am the way I am.
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