Banyan Bar and Refuge closed for weeks after fire

Banyan Bar + Refuge faces closure for several weeks due to a fire in the kitchen.

Banyan Bar and Refuge closes for repairs after kitchen fire

Banyan Bar + Refuge, an Asian gastropub located in South End, is closed for several weeks following a kitchen fire on June 30. The fire caused more damage than initially expected, leading to the need for extensive repairs and inspections. Restaurant management initially hoped for a quick reopening but later updated that it could take longer, possibly delaying the restaurant's ability to celebrate its 10th anniversary on July 18. Owner Rebecca Roth Gullo confirmed that no one was inside during the fire and remains committed to celebrating the restaurant's milestone, albeit at a later time.

The closure of Banyan Bar + Refuge highlights the often unseen risks restaurants face daily. While the fire was contained, its aftermath reveals the vulnerability of small businesses to unexpected events. This incident not only disrupts the restaurant’s operations but also puts pressure on staff and management to ensure safety while navigating repair processes. Given the community's support for local dining, Banyan's temporary absence may create a noticeable gap in local culinary culture in South End during the busy summer season.

Highlights

As Banyan Bar + Refuge waits to return, the South End community anticipates its reopening.