The community of Waxahachie is coming together to support the Blind Pig Butchery after a devastating fire consumed its historic building. The owner expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support, noting that many residents have stopped by to inquire about the incident and offer assistance following the blaze.
A pre-dawn fire broke out on Monday, severely damaging the 140-year-old structure that housed the butchery. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. Despite only being in business for three months, the owner is determined to restore the site, which has a rich history as the former home of the renowned Catfish Plantation. Efforts are currently underway to raise funds for displaced workers while the investigation into the cause of the fire continues.
A Dream Up in Flames
According to Waxahachie Fire Rescue, the fire erupted shortly after 4:30 AM, and crews managed to bring it under control within about 15 minutes. Restaurant owner Jay Desimone recounted the emotional experience of witnessing his dream go up in smoke.
“Even just driving there, my wife and I were shaking, wondering what we would find. We watched our burning building, our business, our dream, catch fire from the inside,” Desimone shared. “I sat there in shock, feeling utterly helpless. There was nothing I could do.”
A Rich History
Desimone had dedicated the past two years to understanding the nuances of the nearly 140-year-old building, transforming it into the Blind Pig Butchery. Reflecting on their journey, he stated, “We found this building and knew we wanted to make it our own. In hindsight, I’m not sure if we would do it again, but I believe there’s a purpose behind this.”
The building, steeped in history, had previously housed the Catfish Plantation and is rumored to be haunted. It faced a similar disaster back in 2003 when it was also engulfed in flames.
Lessons of Resilience
This historic site holds significant meaning for Desimone and the community. “The building is important to us, to Waxahachie, and to Ellis County,” he emphasized. Throughout the renovation process, Desimone’s children actively participated, learning the value of hard work. Now, they face a new lesson in resilience.
“They have a history here and memories tied to this place,” he noted. “We’re going through a very stressful time, but it’s an opportunity to show our kids what it means to rebuild. We did it once, and we won’t let this stop us. We’ll continue the work and involve them in the restoration.”
Support for the Blind Pig Family
As Desimone navigates the next steps, he is focused on ensuring that his employees, whom he fondly refers to as the “Blind Pig Family,” can remain employed. Fundraising efforts are underway to assist in the restoration of the beloved building.
