Community rallies behind Tulsa BBQ restaurant destroyed in fire

Danny O’Connor is the executive director at the Outsider’s House Museum, and says BurnCo is one of the reasons he moved to Tulsa.

“It’s got good pizza, got good people, and it’s got the best barbecue ever, so to wake up to that this morning was just gut wrenching,” said O’Connor.

He says this is a staple in the Tulsa community, and BurnCo has supported him. Now he wants to give back in whatever way they need.

It’s not just about the food. Donnie Rich, the owner of the Shrine Venue across the road from BurnCo Barbecue at 18th and Boston, says this location is known for Tulsa’s sound.

Rich says BurnCo was home to several music venues in the past years.

“Beside Cain’s Ballroom, I think that it is the most Tulsa music there is,” he says. “Something like this isn’t going to get tossed aside and something commercial come in. Tulsa will rebuild together.”

Rich adds, “It was once the only place to play original music.”

1907 Barbecue posted on Facebook, saying, “Our hearts break for the team at Burn Co Barbecue. We are grateful there were no injuries or loss of life. We understand the risk of this business and this hurts to see. Please go support their Jenks location, these are good friends and great people.”

FarmBar posted on social media, saying. “We will be closed at least through this weekend. If you have reservations, we’ll be in touch later this morning. For those with reservations after this weekend, we’ll wait to touch base with you when we know more what our timeline is for getting things restored. We know there is smoke and water damage, but don’t know the extent. We’re very sad for our friends next door at BurnCo, where there was significant damage. Thanks to all for the well wishes and good thoughts.”

The Mercury Lounge will host a benefit show Sunday Feb. 20, with donations going to BurnCo and FarmBar employees to recoup the money they’ll lose.