Brainard Bar says it was no-brainer to help employee of ‘sister bar’ after house fire
BRAINARD, Neb. (KLKN) — Tonia Hass was working her shift at Dani’s Den, a bar in Cedar Bluffs, when her family’s home went up in flames last month, displacing her and her daughters.
The building sustained an estimated $95,000 in damage, and that doesn’t include the family’s belongings, most of which were destroyed.
Now the owner of a different bar in a different town is stepping up to help.
Amber Fencl is the owner of Brainard Bar and said charity was a major part of her upbringing, so she didn’t think twice.
Upon hearing of the fire, Fencl created a Facebook post telling her customers that she would be donating a portion of the proceeds from her restaurant’s specialty pizzas to help the family.
“My first reaction was, ‘How can I help?'” she said. “I made sure it was OK that I posted it at first, and she said, ‘Thank you so much, yes, and we love you.'”
Fencl’s restaurant is more than 30 minutes away from Dani’s Den, but the two owners met when Dani Hutchison stopped by The Brainard Bar with her staff during a motorcycle ride.
Although many might consider the two owners to be competitors, they consider each other to be “sister bars,” often sharing each other’s events and fundraising efforts on social media.
Dani’s Den is holding a fundraiser on July 27 to support Hass’ rebuild, but since it doesn’t have a kitchen like Brainard Bar, Fencl came up with her own way to help.
Known for specialty pies like meatball, Reuben and even one with pineapples, jalapenos and cream cheese, the restaurant intends to donate 20% of the profits made from the 12-inch pizzas and 30% from the 16-inch pies.
“I raised about $200 so far … and we will be hopefully raising some more money for our friend,” Fencl said.
She is hopeful she’ll easily surpass her initial goal of $1,000 since the restaurant usually sees an influx of customers during a car show coming up on Sunday.
Brainard Bar is accepting orders for those wanting to support the cause.
