Chicatana was never just a restaurant to us; it was a promise. It was the promise of a place where neighbors could gather, where celebrations would echo with laughter, and where the vibrant flavors of Mexico would feel like home. It was the clatter of pans in a bustling kitchen, the warm greeting at the door, and the pride our team took in every single dish that left the pass. For our patrons, it was a place for friends and family reunions, first dates, and anniversaries. For our team, it was a second family.

On the morning of June 25, 2025, that promise was shattered. An accidental fire tore through our space on 14th Street, leaving behind a devastating silence where there was once so much life. The physical loss is heartbreaking, but the human cost is far greater.

The fire has scattered our work family. Thirty of our beloved employees—the talented cooks, dedicated servers, and welcoming faces you knew and loved—are now suddenly without a job. This is the most painful loss of all.

But our spirit is not extinguished. We vow to our staff, to our patrons, and to our neighborhood that we will rebuild. While we work towards that goal, we are keeping a small piece of our menu alive at La Plaza, our sister restaurant. It’s a start, but our ultimate goal is to reopen the doors of Chicatana and bring our family back together.

To do this, we need to lean on our community. We need your help.

How Your Support Will Rebuild Our Home and Our Family

Every donation will be transparently dedicated to two fundamental goals: our people and our home.

• Supporting Our Chicatana Family (40% of funds): Our first and most critical priority is providing a financial bridge for our 30 displaced employees. Your support will go directly to them, helping with rent, groceries, and essential expenses to offer stability in this uncertain time. This isn't just about money; it's about showing the people who made Chicatana so special that their community stands with them.

• Rebuilding Our Home (60% of funds): The remainder of the funds will be dedicated to the complete reconstruction and reopening of Chicatana. This includes everything from professional cleanup and architectural planning to the full rebuild of our kitchen and bar, purchasing new equipment, and restocking our pantry, so we can once again welcome you back into a space filled with warmth, life, and incredible food.

Your support, no matter the size, is a powerful statement. It tells our team they are not forgotten and helps us lay the first brick in the new foundation of a place so many of us called home.

Thank you for being part of our community. Let’s rekindle this flame, together.