Business owners reflect on anniversary of fire that destroyed historic restaurant

August 11, 2026 - 09:41

A year has passed since a late-night blaze tore through The Bo, a beloved fixture in the downtown district, and the two men who ran it say the memory of that smoke-filled evening still feels raw. Jason LeCates and Matt Crandall, partners in the restaurant, spent the anniversary quietly, sorting through insurance paperwork and fielding calls from regulars who still ask when the doors might reopen.

The fire broke out just after 11 p.m. on August 11th, 2025, and by the time crews contained it, the roof had collapsed and most of the interior was unsalvageable. No one was hurt, but the building, which had housed the eatery for over four decades, was a total loss. LeCates recalled standing across the street that night, watching flames consume not just wood and brick but a collection of family recipes and handwritten order tickets that had been taped to the kitchen wall for years.

Since then, the partners have faced a slow grind of permit delays, contractor bids, and the emotional weight of a community that lost a gathering spot. Crandall noted that the hardest part has been turning away regulars who stop by the empty lot to leave flowers or notes. They have not announced a reopening date, but both men say they are committed to rebuilding, even if it takes another year. For now, they are focusing on a pop-up food stall at the local farmers market, a small step toward reclaiming the rhythm they miss.