Help Rebuild Blatch's Backyard BBQ After Fire

Story:

Blatch’s Backyard BBQ, our beloved Salt Lake City staple of innovative vegan barbecue, suffered a devastating fire on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, following an unexpected medical emergency involving the chef-owner, Chris Blatchford.

While lighting a fire to begin his day, Chris experienced a Type I diabetic low blood sugar episode. In a scary moment, he passed out, awakening amid flames in the adjacent garage. Miraculously, he was able to crawl to safety. Though he sustained second-degree burns to his head, chest, and arms, Chris was treated and has since been released from the hospital.

The fire spread rapidly, fueled by six propane tanks that exploded, destroying over 80% of the restaurant’s equipment and leveling the garage space. As firefighters bravely battled the blaze—saving nearby homes and vehicles—their efforts contained the fire within 20 minutes, but the physical and emotional damage was done.

Blatch’s Backyard BBQ has always meant so much more than just food. Recognized as “Best Overall BBQ” in the 2025 Best of SLC Awards and glowing in a 5‑star Google rating, the restaurant stands as a beacon of creative, compassionate cuisine in our community .

Now, more than ever, they need us. Your generous support will help rebuild the kitchen, purchase new equipment, and restore this innovative spot that brings people together (and makes us rethink vegan BBQ). Let’s help Chris, his team, and our community restaurant rise from these ashes—stronger than ever.

How you can help:

• Donate to support equipment replacement, repairs, and rebuilding efforts

• Share this fundraiser with friends, family, and vegan/barbecue-loving communities

• Send well wishes to Chris and the Blatch’s team—your encouragement means the world.

Thank you for helping turn tragedy into strength, and for supporting a business that’s rewriting what barbecue can be in Salt Lake City.