❤️ Help My Sister & Brother-in-Law Rebuild The Black Crow

Hi, my name is Patrick, and I’m writing this on behalf of my sister and brother-in-law, the owners of The Black Crow in Beatrice, Nebraska.

If you know them — or if you’ve ever eaten at The Black Crow — you know this restaurant is far more than a business. It’s their life’s work, their pride, and a place they have poured their hearts into for decades.

Since opening in 1993, The Black Crow has been a cornerstone of downtown Beatrice. Housed in a beautiful historic building from the 1890s, it has been the setting for countless anniversaries, birthdays, first dates, reunions, and quiet dinners with friends. It’s where people come to celebrate, to connect, and to feel at home.

What Happened

Recently, a devastating fire caused extensive damage to the restaurant. While we are deeply grateful that no one was hurt, the fire left behind major damage that will require significant restoration before The Black Crow can reopen its doors.

Anyone who has ever owned or loved a small business knows how overwhelming something like this can be — especially when the building, the equipment, and the space itself are such an integral part of what makes the restaurant special.

Why I’m Asking for Help

My sister and brother-in-law are determined to rebuild — not just for themselves, but for their staff, their loyal customers, and the Beatrice community that has supported them for so many years.

Funds raised here will go directly toward:

Restoring the historic building

Replacing damaged kitchen equipment

Repairing and rebuilding the dining and bar areas

Covering reopening and recovery costs

Helping support employees impacted by the closure

Every contribution, no matter the size, truly helps move this process forward.

From My Family to Yours

As their brother, I’ve seen firsthand how much time, sacrifice, and love they have poured into The Black Crow. Asking for help doesn’t come easily — but the outpouring of support already shown reminds us just how much this place means to so many people.

If you’re able to donate, thank you. If you can’t, sharing this page means just as much. Your support will help bring a beloved restaurant — and a big piece of Beatrice — back to life.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Patrick Ratigan