On the morning of Christmas Eve, Dec 24th, at 3:45a, an arsonist set a fire beneath the back deck of Red Star Taco Bar. Luckily a bartender still at work alerted the Seattle Fire Department who responded immediately. Unfortunately, Red Star and neighboring businesses Habitude and Sfingiday did suffer devastating damage nonetheless.
Additionally, another fire attempt was made, and stopped, behind Nectar Lounge and Ounce of Prevention at nearly the same time.
Due to a digital Nest system, Sfingiday has an accurate accounting of damage done to the store, and when the fire reached its rear wall – where original paintings were hanging. Smoke damaged most of the merchandise in the new shop, which specializes in hand-made items by local artists. Axes wielded by fire fighters anxious to keep the old structure from becomes engulfed also created significant damage, while water saturated nearly everything else.
A woman-owned business, Sfingiday may be eligible for grants to fund repairs and restoration of the shop – in addition to what they receive from insurance. As an artist, the owner will also be looking for shows where she can sell her remaining art as a fundraiser.
Most importantly, Sfingiday will return to re-open in the same location in a few months! It will take time, and volunteers are welcome to step forward to help with grant-writing or cleaning.
Also, the owner’s sister has launched a GoFundMe (click here,) for those able to donate money to help with repair costs. Small businesses suffer significantly from these kinds of attacks, and Sfingiday not only lost its merchandise but these pieces were largely irreplaceable artisanal items created by local craftspeople.
The Fremont Habitude will also be closed due to damage, but clients will be able to see their stylists at the Ballard location during the rebuild.
Red Star Taco Bar will be closed for a month as well, including during the NYE holiday. They hope diners and drinkers will return when their rebuilding is complete.
UPDATE: A Rally for Red Star has been organized for January 13th at 6p at The Ballroom, with drink specials, raffles, live music, and locally produced art. The money raised will largely go toward supporting Red Star staff thrown out of work by this crime. Red Star also has a Go Fund Me page (click here,) and encourages customers to buy gift cards, for themselves and friends, for future visits.
Please consider ways to support our small businesses, now and in the future when these three re-open! Setbacks like this crime can truly destroy a small business, without continued support and encouragement by all of us.