BUFFALO — A Buffalo icon was destroyed by fire early this morning.
The Old Pink, winner of the “Best Dive Bar” category in the 2022 and 2023 All WNY Awards, was consumed by flames around 5:45 a.m., with heavy smoke reported coming from the bar. Just a little over an hour later, the fire was extinguished but not before the building was a total loss. Damages were estimated at $1.25 million.
An emergency demolition for the Allen Street bar has been ordered.
Reports say that officials believe the fire was started on the outside of the building, though an official cause has not been announced. When firefighters arrived on scene, there was no one inside, but workers were leaving around that that time.
“The Old Pink shared a statement on Instagram saying, “Thank you all for the love and support. Today was a devastating day for our staff, our community, and the Brinkworth family. The Old Pink is currently being torn down and by the end of the day, will be gone completely. Please come by the site and mourn with us. Our legacy will live on through you.”
An outpouring of support for the bar has been shown on social media, particularly on Facebook where many are commenting about their memories of the bar and its famous steak sandwich.
A GoFundMe has been created “to assist with the emergent situation that’s been put on our owner, our staff, and the hardships ahead.”
