by Alex Pittelli ‘26 on March 19, 2026
Opinion - Campus
Like the rest of the Providence College community, I was devastated to hear of the fire at Bradley Cafe, or Brad’s, as it is known to many. Having worked there, even if it wasn’t for long, I felt truly welcomed and like a part of the family. I made countless memories, including attending their Christmas party and taking part in their Secret Santa, and formed connections that will last a lifetime.
Once I could, I went to see the scene and to be there with the owners, fellow employees, and regulars as the fire department finished up their inspection. The scene was certainly somber, not just because the damage will close the building for months, but because each decoration had represented so much; there were pieces of sports history from both PC and Boston teams, photos from the bar’s history and charitable events, and memoriams dedicated to local neighborhood members who had left their mark on the community. While the firefighters tried to do what they could to recover the memorabilia, much was destroyed by the fire.
It is clear that Brad’s is more than a building, or even what’s inside, and no fire can destroy its legacy. While the moment was solemn, there were plans to restore the bar before the smoke had even settled. In the time since, the community has rallied; a GoFundMe was created and has raised thousands of dollars, and other local restaurants have held events to raise money for the cause. In this moment, I feel hope because I know that Brad’s will be back, and soon we will #MeetAtBrads once again.