Community rallies behind Providence's Bradley's Cafe after fire

Beloved bar that has served as a 'home away from home' for generations of Providence College students faces rebuilding after devastating blaze.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 10:33pm

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Bradley's Cafe, a beloved 89-year-old bar located near Providence College, was devastated by a fire last week that destroyed its interior. Despite the damage, the community has rallied behind the establishment, with a fundraiser held outside the building and a GoFundMe page that has already surpassed its $30,000 goal. The bar's owner-partner, Gary Cicillini, expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support, stating that Bradley's is 'not just a bar' but a place where people have met their spouses, celebrated milestones, and created lasting memories.

Why it matters

Bradley's Cafe has long been a fixture in the Providence community, serving as a gathering place for generations of Providence College students and locals alike. The fire that devastated the bar's interior has threatened to disrupt this community hub, but the overwhelming response from the community highlights the deep emotional connection people have to the establishment and the importance of preserving such beloved local institutions.

The details

The fire at Bradley's Cafe last week caused heavy burn damage to the interior of the 89-year-old establishment, located just a block north of Providence College. Despite the destruction, the building remains structurally intact. In the aftermath, the community has come together to support the bar's staff and owners, with a fundraiser held outside the building on Friday and a GoFundMe page that has already exceeded its $30,000 goal. The bar's owner-partner, Gary Cicillini, expressed gratitude for the 'mind-blowing' support, emphasizing that Bradley's is 'not just a bar' but a place where people have created meaningful memories and connections over the decades.

  • The fire at Bradley's Cafe occurred last week.
  • A fundraiser was held outside the building on Friday, March 13, 2026.

The players

Bradley's Cafe

An 89-year-old bar located near Providence College that has long served as a community hub and gathering place for generations of students and locals.

Gary Cicillini

The owner-partner of Bradley's Cafe, who expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support from the community following the fire.

Mike McAteer

The owner of the Hot Potato RI and Wicked Good Sausage Co. food trucks, who held a fundraiser outside Bradley's Cafe on Friday, donating and matching 100% of the proceeds directly to the bar's staff.

Gregg Burke

A longtime patron of Bradley's Cafe, who described the establishment as 'literally the 'Cheers' of Providence.'

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What they’re saying

“It's humbling to know that so many people care. This wasn't just a neighborhood bar — just wasn't the college bar. People met here. Met their husbands, their wives. There are so many memories here, so many families, traditions … Those are the things that really make Bradley's Cafe what it is.”

— Gary Cicillini, Owner-partner of Bradley's Cafe

“Literally the 'Cheers' of Providence.”

— Gregg Burke, Longtime patron of Bradley's Cafe

What’s next

The community is rallying to support Bradley's Cafe as the owners work to rebuild and restore the beloved establishment following the devastating fire.

The takeaway

The outpouring of support for Bradley's Cafe after the fire highlights the deep emotional connection the community has to this local institution, which has served as a gathering place and home away from home for generations. The resilience and determination of the bar's owners and patrons to preserve this beloved establishment demonstrates the enduring power of community-driven businesses to bring people together and create lasting memories.