
Help Rebuild Elsie Mae’s After a Devastating Fire
Donation protected
On April 29, 2025, just ten days before the long-anticipated grand opening of Elsie Mae’s Pies & Pints in Kenosha, a devastating fire tore through the building and took everything.
The space had been lovingly transformed from the ground up into what was meant to be a cozy, welcoming pie shop and pub — a gathering place where families, friends, and neighbors across Wisconsin could come together over homemade pies, warm meals, and shared stories. Everything was nearly ready. The ovens were installed. The recipes tested. The paint still fresh. Opening day was marked on the calendar: May 10th.
But now, all of that has been lost. The fire destroyed not only the building and equipment, but the countless hours, energy, and heart poured into this dream.
I’m helping raise funds for Elsie Mae Pies because I’ve seen firsthand the incredible love, grit, and passion behind this business. This wasn’t just a restaurant — it was a vision years in the making, brought to life with personal savings, late nights, and a whole lot of heart. Kelly has poured herself into every step of this journey, determined to build something meaningful for her community.
And even after this tragedy, she’s not giving up.
Despite losing everything, she remains committed to reopening and continuing to serve Wisconsin with the same joy, hospitality, and homemade goodness that has defined Elsie Mae’s from the start. But starting over — emotionally and financially — is a massive mountain to climb. That’s why I’m asking for help.
We set this goal based on what it will realistically take to recover and reopen. We understand its a big number, and we're grateful for any support - big or small - that helps us take even one step forward.
-$50K Cleanup & Demo
-$100K Start Rebuild & Some Materials
-$25K Equipment & Inventory
-$25K Permits, Insurance, Staffing Support, and Contingency
Organizer
Melissa Schultz
Organizer
Kenosha, WI