01/04/2026
I really thought hard about this post.
When we took over this restaurant, it was a labor of love. We weren’t out there shopping restaurants in general, but this opportunity came up and it was perfect. I am born and raised in this neighborhood. I grew up eating shrimp salad and formula fours back when Spuds still delivered, while my parents were playing pool league, back when most bars biggest seller was animal beer and bartenders could smoke a real cigarette while pouring you a beverage.
This fire is the most traumatic thing I’ve ever dealt with, and I’ve had more than my fair share of s**t to deal with.
And while I’m still out here battling insurance, trying to get even just my electricity back, worrying about my staff who are still trying to find work in the aftermath, worrying about paying rent and utilities with no revenue, I am expected to just keep taking these hits. One thing after another. Since August 30th I’ve had five break ins. FIVE. It makes it very tough to want to rebuild if I’m being frank. This one today is going to put me over the edge… every last bottle of my alcohol inventory is gone. Every single one.
It’s hard enough to do business right now. These extra activities make it even harder.
We’re boarded up because of prior attempts. And now, I don’t know what to do. The restaurant is trashed, all my liquor is gone, and my storage house is compromised.
So, thank you, whoever decided that fu***ng me around further was what was going to make you feel good last night. Thank you, for really driving it home that this industry is not for the weak. And thank you for the ultimate motivation you inadvertently provided me. This neighborhood NEEDS restaurants like mine. It needs a gathering place, a safe space, a community space. And above all else, thats one thing Spuds has always stood for.
And we are coming back. Bigger and badder, and better. So whoever you are that thinks I’m walking away, that I’m scared…you can f**k all the way off.
Shoutout to the real ones who came to my rescue this morning, securing the restaurant and keeping an eye out for me. Love you and appreciate you 🍕🧡
