Friends, if you haven’t already heard, Donna suffered an electrical fire that apparently originated in the ceiling, tripping the sprinkler system and flooding the bar. The super-human FDNY responded immediately to subdue it, and thankfully no persons were injured. Unfortunately, this means our beautiful bar is closed for business until further notice.
In searching for the origin, severe damage was made to the ceiling structure. These are serious issues which will need serious attention, but luckily we have a great insurance policy to protect us. Closing our doors to you is a heart-wrenching choice to make, as is not being able to provide my incredible staff with steady employment, but it is a necessary one for the time being.
Building Donna and watching it grow has been for me one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of my life, and the staff that has stuck by me and grown alongside it continue to inspire me to make Donna one of the most welcoming, beautiful, transportive and fun spaces I have ever been in. Watching it get partially demolished last night was a surreal experience I have yet found the words to describe.
But walking out into the brisk New York night afterwards, my phone alight with words of support and encouragement from my friends, family and brethren in the industry, my staff by my side, I say to you that we will rebuild. We will come back. And it will be as beautiful and magical as it once was, perhaps even more.
Until then, please keep us in your thoughts. If you own a bar or restaurant, let us know if you need shifts covered so I can send my wonderful staff your way. We are still here to be of service, just as of now not only in one fixed location. Soon, very soon, I will be pleased to inform you of our triumphant return.
Until then, our sincere thanks for your support,
Leif Young Huckman
Proud Owner of Donna