Fire Destroys Historic Bistro Roca During Ice Storm

Early Sunday morning on January 25, 2026, the tranquil mountain town of Blowing Rock, North Carolina, was jolted awake by the news that one of its most cherished landmarks, Bistro Roca and Antlers Bar, had caught fire. The timing could hardly have been worse: a fierce winter storm was already battering the Carolinas, coating roads in ice and plunging thousands of homes into darkness. But for many in the community, the real heartbreak came from watching the flames overtake a building that had stood for more than a century, serving as both a culinary destination and a living archive of local memories.

According to WBTV and Queen City News, the fire broke out at approximately 8:30 a.m., with emergency crews rushing to the scene on Wonderland Trail. Large flames and heavy smoke were visible, and images soon spread across social media, showing the beloved restaurant engulfed. The town of Blowing Rock quickly issued alerts, urging residents to avoid the area so firefighters and first responders could work unimpeded. "Very sad for a staple here in Blowing Rock," town officials shared in a social media post, capturing the collective sense of loss felt by many.

The blaze originated in the basement of the historic building, making it particularly difficult to combat. As detailed by WBTV, "the fire is in the basement and unable to be extinguished from the surface." This grim reality forced authorities into a tough decision: the building would have to be backhoed—essentially torn open—to give firefighters a chance at reaching the stubborn flames below. Wonderland Trail was subsequently closed from the 200 block down to Laurel Lane, creating further disruption as the winter storm intensified.

Despite the ferocity of the fire and the hazardous conditions outside, there was one small mercy: no injuries were reported. Both town officials and the restaurant itself emphasized this point, expressing deep gratitude that neither people nor animals were harmed. The restaurant, which has been a fixture in Blowing Rock since Antlers Bar first opened its doors in 1932, released a heartfelt statement to the community: "We are heartbroken to share that during the ice storm; our beloved restaurant was lost to a fire. Most importantly, no one—human or animal—was injured. The building was more than 100 years old and within its walls lived decades of stories, meals shared, laughter, and hundreds of photographs of our community’s dogs—friends and family to so many of us. We are still in shock and are deeply grateful for the outpouring of prayers, kind words, and love. Thank you for holding us close during this moment. When we are able, we will share more. For now, please know how much your support means to us."

Bistro Roca and Antlers Bar was much more than just a place to grab a drink or a meal. According to its own website, Antlers Bar is recognized as North Carolina’s oldest continuously operating bar, a claim that’s hard to dispute given its uninterrupted service since 1932. Over the decades, the establishment became a gathering place for locals and visitors alike, its walls adorned with photographs of community members and their dogs, each one a testament to the role the restaurant played in the social fabric of Blowing Rock. As WCNC reported, the building itself was more than a century old, making its loss a blow not only to the town’s present but also to its historical identity.

The fire’s timing added layers of complexity and danger to the emergency response. A major winter storm, which began sweeping across the South on January 24, had already brought snow, ice, and frigid temperatures from Texas to Maine. The National Weather Service warned of sleet accumulations between 1 and 3 inches across the region, and local meteorologists predicted that ice totals could reach 0.5 to 0.75 inches or more in the Carolinas. By early Sunday afternoon, thousands of power outages had been reported, and both North Carolina and South Carolina had declared states of emergency. Local and state officials urged residents to stay home and off the roads, as conditions deteriorated rapidly.

Against this backdrop, the fire at Bistro Roca presented a logistical nightmare. Roads were already treacherous, and emergency crews had to contend with both the elements and the stubborn blaze in the restaurant’s basement. The town’s gratitude for their rapid and courageous response was palpable. "Thank you to our emergency services for their rapid response. Please give them room to operate," the town of Blowing Rock posted on Facebook, echoing the sentiments of many residents who watched helplessly as a piece of their community’s history went up in smoke.

While the immediate cause of the fire remains under investigation, officials have not yet released any details. As of midday Sunday, it was still unclear whether the fire had been fully extinguished, or whether any neighboring buildings had suffered collateral damage. What is certain, however, is that the restaurant’s loss will be felt for years to come. For generations, Bistro Roca and Antlers Bar was where memories were made—birthdays celebrated, anniversaries toasted, and friendships forged over plates of comfort food and glasses raised in cheer.

The outpouring of support from the Blowing Rock community has been swift and heartfelt. Neighbors, former patrons, and even those who had only passed through town once or twice have shared their memories and condolences online. The restaurant’s statement, expressing both heartbreak and gratitude, resonated deeply: "We are still in shock and are deeply grateful for the outpouring of prayers, kind words, and love. Thank you for holding us close during this moment."

For now, the future of the site remains uncertain. The building, battered by both fire and the elements, will likely need extensive work before any plans for rebuilding can take shape. Town officials have promised to update the public as more information becomes available, and the restaurant’s owners have pledged to share their next steps when they are ready. In the meantime, Blowing Rock’s residents are left to mourn the loss of a beloved institution while facing the challenges brought on by the ongoing winter storm.

As the smoke clears and the community begins to pick up the pieces, one thing is certain: the spirit of Bistro Roca and Antlers Bar—its warmth, its history, and its place in the hearts of so many—will not be easily extinguished.