Community donates more than $55K in 24 hours for workers displaced by Main St. fire
Aug 14, 2025, 6:00 AM
Businesses damaged from Monday night's fire being boarded up. (Jason Hammer/KSL TV)
(Jason Hammer/KSL TV)
SALT LAKE CITY — Downtown Salt Lake City usually hums with the sounds of traffic, TRAX trains and people enjoying summer nights.
But on the 300 South Main Street block, the usual soundtrack has been replaced by the buzz of saws and the pop of nail guns as crews board up businesses damaged by Monday’s massive fire.
“We were really touched by what we saw,” said Dee Brewer, executive director of the Salt Lake City Downtown Alliance.
The four businesses that burned, Whiskey Street, White Horse, London Belle and Los Tapatios, are closed because of extensive damage.
That means a lot of people are now out of work, which is why the Salt Lake City Downtown Alliance started a fund to help those workers.
In just 24 hours, the Main Street Bar Block Fire Employee Assistance Fund has already raised about $55,000 to help those workers who are now without a job.
Brewer said some of the biggest donations have come from other restaurants.
“Competitors hugging each other and saying, ‘We’re going to get through this,’” Brewer said.
While some businesses may have insurance that covers payroll losses after a fire, Brewer said this fund, with a goal of $500,000, is designed to help workers immediately.
“For the next 30 days, they are at risk,” he said. “So, we look at their living costs, their rent, groceries, transportation, etc. And that’s how we established our $500,000 goal,” Brewer said.
The Downtown Alliance said the first round of assistance checks will be distributed next week.
“They’re not going to be reemployed for a very long time and that those employees are at a specific risk for the next month,” said Brewer. “So, we’re not trying to make those employees whole in perpetuity. We’re trying to help them bridge the gap for 30 days while they find their next job or get the services that they need.”
Those who want to donate can visit the Downtown Alliance’s website.
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