In a remarkable display of resilience, two popular Calgary eateries celebrated New Year's Eve with their doors open, just two weeks after a devastating arson attack threatened to destroy them. The owners and staff of Salt & Brick and Greta Bar on 10th Avenue in the Beltline district refused to let a malicious act define their holiday season, embarking on a frantic restoration to welcome patrons back by December 31, 2025.
From Devastation to Determination
Co-owner Casey Greabeiel's worst fears were realized when he received a text on December 17, 2025, informing him his establishments were on fire. Security footage later revealed an arsonist, unknown to the businesses, using gasoline and matches outside the venues. While the Calgary Fire Department prevented total loss, the damage was severe. "It was the only thing that I kind of thought about for the last two weeks — how do we make sure we’re open for New Year’s Eve," Greabeiel stated, channeling the team's collective grief into a singular goal.
The blaze ravaged critical plumbing and electrical systems, necessitating a professional restoration company. Every item of food and beverage had to be discarded. Simultaneously, staff undertook the Herculean task of deep-cleaning salvageable interiors and urgently restocking kitchens. Their commitment extended to honoring existing reservations by relocating a catering event to another venue, ensuring guests could still enjoy Salt & Brick's acclaimed cuisine.
Community Rallies with Financial Support
While property insurance covered damages and lost wages, it did not account for gratuities, a vital income stream for hospitality workers during the lucrative holiday period. The community swiftly stepped in to fill the gap. A server's parent, who is also a friend of the restaurant, launched a fundraiser that garnered an incredible over $12,000 for the affected staff. The restaurant itself hosted a ticketed event, directing all proceeds to its employees.
"We’ve leaned on all the resources we have in terms of personal relationships and friendships with people," Greabeiel explained, touched by the outpouring of support. "I don’t know if it’s Christmas time, and that’s why, but everybody had been really positive, and everybody has kind of pulled together."
Looking Forward with Cautious Optimism
The successful reopening on December 31 marked a significant victory, though recovery is not complete. Charlie’s Watch Repair, a speakeasy hidden within the premises, sustained damage that will require several more months of repairs. "Getting the speakeasy back up and running is going to be like the next project that looks like we’ll start the new year with," Greabeiel noted.
The alleged arsonist, identified by police as Aldin Crowchild, is also connected to a November 4 fire at Bridgette Bar that caused approximately $300,000 in damages. For Greabeiel, the senselessness of the act is difficult to process. "It’s very hard to rationalize," he said, reflecting on how close his business and his staff's livelihoods came to being erased. Yet, the story that emerged from the ashes is not one of loss, but of a Calgary community's powerful capacity for support and a local business's unwavering resolve.
