Kareem Bunton, the owner of Bunton’s World Famous in Bushwick, is asking for help for help from the community following a fire that destroyed a significant portion of his cocktail bar.
Early Monday, an “intense fire” tore through the back of the bar, destroying the air conditioning units, garden, awning with parts of the bar being “incinerated within seconds,” Bunton wrote on Instagram. No one was injured.
“For those of you who know me I am one of those annoying stubborn ornery types who hates to ask for anything, ever. But this time I really need it,” he said, pointing to a GoFundMe fundraiser that is seeking for $150,000 in funds.
“Thank you for helping us build a space where people come for community, refuge, and acceptance — a place for connection, celebration, and self-expression. We survived a global pandemic together, and we will survive this,” the GoFundMe page reads. “We’re down, but we’re not out.”
In a few short years, Bunton’s has become beloved by patrons and the surrounding music community for its curated nightlife vibes and its roster of killer DJs. Bunton himself is a musician who has collaborated with Run the Jewels, Prefuse73 and TV on the Radio.
As of Wednesday, the fundraiser has surpassed $25,000. Bunton said his team doesn’t know the full financial scope of the damage, but the “costs of rebuilding are significant, even with insurance.” He added: “Every contribution, no matter the size, helps us move forward.”
Bunton opened the spot, which boasts a 1400 square-foot patio, in 2019, explaining that its eclectic design was to recreate the ‘90s club scene with a welcoming vibe for everyone in the neighborhood.
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