April 17, 2008 issue
Fire Damage will Keep Boone Saloon
Closed for Several Weeks
Local Group To Host Employee Benefit this Friday at Nth Gallery
Story by David Brewer
As passersby peered through the soot-covered bay window last weekend following Thursday night’s fire at the Boone Saloon, a large hole in the roof over the stage and office area was clearly visible. The fire, which started in the office and spread quickly to the stage area around 11:30 p.m., caused what part owner and Saloon booking agent Matt Johnston called “extensive damage.” However, he estimated that the popular bar and restaurant will reopen within six to eight weeks.
Johnston was working when members of the Grateful Dead cover band Cosmic Charlie mentioned smelling smoke to the crowd of between 70 and 80 patrons. After discovering the fire in the rear of the building, Johnston calmly advised the crowd to exit the building and attributed the lack of injuries to the their orderly behavior.
“Everyone did a great job of getting out,” said Johnston. “They just left their stuff and split. Nobody was pushing or shoving or screaming.”
Trucks from the Boone Fire Department were on the scene within a few minutes of Johnston’s call, quickly bringing the fire under control. Several members of the Boone Police Department also responded to the call. Johnston praised both departments for their speedy reaction and professionalism in dealing with the emergency.
“The fire department and police department were awesome,” said Johnston.
In addition to the flames, the fire’s intense heat, as well as water pumped in to extinguish it, also took a considerable toll on the building. TVs situated above the bar melted, along with artwork hung throughout the bar. The pair of blue felt covered pool tables are in need of extensive repair and it is unclear what pieces of sound equipment may be salvageable.
While monetary damage estimates have been released in other local news articles concerning the fire, Johnston said that the restaurant’s insurance company has yet to settle on a figure.
“We don’t know at this point even what insurance is going to do for ourselves,” he said.
Fortunately, the bar itself, a defining feature of the Boone Saloon since its opening in 2004, suffered only minor damage and will remain in place.
Johnston said that neighboring business Ink Link suffered minor damage and hoped to reopen within the week.
Before fire crews left the scene, bar patrons and friends who had already received the news placed calls of support to Boone Saloon owners and employees. As the weekend wore on, offers of love, support and money flooded in.
“It’s been mind-blowing how much people are offering,” said Johnston. “The community has been so great to us. It definitely helps you get moving forward and stay positive.
“Considering we’re out of a business and out of a job and not positive what the future holds, we’re staying positive and hoping for the best,” added Johnston.
With insurance and unemployment benefits up in the air, the Boone Beard & Mustache Club is sponsoring an art exhibition fundraiser for the employees of the Boone Saloon. The show will take place from 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. at the Nth? Gallery in downtown Boone. The suggested donation is $5.
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