Within just four days, Golden Dagger, the popular Lincoln Park bar and music venue, has raised over $25,000 to help offset damages incurred by a fire that took place on the day after Thanksgiving. Owner Donnie Biggins organized a GoFundMe with the note, “the venue has undergone many interior damages, and our employees will be out of work for the foreseeable future. Please consider donating to our GoFundMe as we continue to navigate our recovery.”
Although Biggins did not share the cause of the fire, he stated that no employees or patrons were harmed.
“One year ago, we began our Rebrand Recovery project,” Biggins wrote on social media in a post thanking supporters. “This December, we begin our Rebuild Recovery. We hope to return to operation as soon as possible, but know it’s going to take some time to repair and remediate the venue.” Biggins is referencing the rebrand Tonic Room underwent after it closed down in March 2020. Golden Dagger emerged as an artist-friendly coffee bar that self-describes as a go-to spot for drip coffee, live music, cocktails, and “a safe space for all members of our artist community.”
What Now Chicago reached out to Biggins but did not hear back at the time of publication. In addition to sharing the venue’s GoFundMe, Biggins also called on other music venues, asking them to reach out if they have any openings for artists previously booked at Golden Dagger for December.
Find Golden Dagger on social media for updates on the bar’s rebuild and reopening.
Eater Chicago first reported on this story.
