CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – After a fire left the Blackhorse Pub & Brewery closed and in need of repair, the Clarksville community has rallied around the displaced employees of the popular downtown brewery, raising nearly $40,000 to help see them through.
On Wednesday, March 3, a grease fire broke out at Blackhorse Pub & Brewery. Clarksville Fire Rescue firefighters battled the blaze for several hours.
The Blackhorse incurred fire damage, significant smoke damage and water damage from the efforts to put out the fire. The building is in need of a new roof, as well as new furnishings and equipment. According to owner Jeff Robinson, repairs are expected to take around three months.
Downtown businesses step up
While Blackhorse begins its recovery, the restaurant’s 100-plus employees are temporarily out of work.
Shortly after the fire, Ryan Bowie of Roxy Regional Theatre and Jody Isaacs of Journey’s Eye Studio started a GoFundMe campaign to raise money to help them.
“We feel like we are one big family,” Bowie told Clarksville Now. “If a family member is in need, most of us jump at the opportunity to do what we can.”
As of March 15, the campaign has raised $38,655.
Support from local breweries
Some of Clarksville’s other entertainment spots are finding other ways to help.
Strawberry Alley Ale Works, located a street away from the Blackhorse, announced Friday they would serve Blackhorse’s Vanilla Cream Ale in their taproom, with all proceeds going toward the employee fund.
Wes Cunningham, owner of Strawberry Alley, said his business poured their 1,000th pint of Vanilla Cream Ale on Monday, raising an estimated $4,000 so far.
“We’re neighbors at the end of the day,” Cunningham said. “We’re really happy to have their beer on our taps and have the proceeds going to (the employees).”
A benefit concert is being held at The Warehouse this Friday, March 19, featuring several local artists, among them VRB, DJ Midnight and The Yonders. Entry is $10 with proceeds going towards the Blackhorse GoFundMe.