1861

Special Thank you to our friends at First State Brewery. The love and support has been overwhelming 💛💛💛

We’re hosting a Dine & Donate Wednesday, February 25th, to support our friends from 1861 after their recent fire at their restaurant here in Middletown.

Show up on Wednesday, mention the fundraiser, and 20% of net sales that day will go directly to help them rebuild, supporting their staff, and aiding in paying medical bills for their owner, who is currently battling stage 4 cancer.

If you can’t make it in next Wednesday, please consider donating directly to their GoFundMe here: https://gofund.me/aec9db627

Please tag friends in the comments for awareness!

#1861

This is not where we ever imagined our story would pause—but we trust that God is not finished.

For eight years, 1861 was built with blood, sweat, tears, and prayer. We were told we wouldn’t last a year—by the grace of God, we lasted eight. We were told we were changing the culture, and we did, successfully. We weren’t perfect, but we cared deeply, and we showed up every day giving everything we had.

Recently, a fire took away the physical space we worked so hard to build. We are beyond grateful that no lives were lost, but the loss has been devastating. This restaurant was more than a business—it was provision, purpose, and a place where people gathered, celebrated, and found comfort.

At the same time, our co owner and loving husband is walking through a stage 4 pancreatic cancer battle. We believe God is still present in this fight, even when the road feels heavy and uncertain. Facing a fire and a serious illness at once has brought us to our knees—but also closer to our faith.

We know the Word tells us that “the fire will test the quality of each person’s work,” and while the building is gone, what was built in love, integrity, and perseverance remains. We didn’t quit. We didn’t give up. After years of being treated as underdogs, a fire was the only thing that could take us down—but it did not take away our faith.

Funds raised will help:

* Cover medical and living expenses during treatment
* Support the family while insurance and rebuilding paths are navigated
* Support staff while restaurant is being repaired
* Provide stability and time to heal, pray, and discern what God is calling us to next

If you feel led to give, we receive it with humility and gratitude. If you can’t, we ask for your prayers, encouragement, and faith alongside us.
We trust that God will make a way—even if we cannot yet see it.
Thank you for being part of our journey, for standing with us in this season, and for believing that this is not the end of our story—just a refining chapter.

With faith and gratitude,The 1861 Family 💛

Here’s the link:
https://gofund.me/aec9db627

WHISKEY WEDNESDAY’S 🥃 AT 1861!