(SACRAMENTO, Calif) — On Christmas morning, the heart of East Sacramento was shaken when Brickland Restaurant & Bar — a beloved neighborhood spot at 3301 Folsom Blvd — suffered a break-in and a fire that forced its temporary closure. For many residents, Brickland isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a gathering place, a source of comfort food, and a symbol of community.
“Brickland has always been about community, and the support we’ve felt over the past few days has been incredibly moving,” the Amiri family said to OpGov.ai.
A Neighborhood in Shock — and Action
The news spread quickly through social media and neighborhood forums like Nextdoor, where residents expressed both heartbreak and determination to help.
"Brickland has been our go-to for date nights. The owners are the nicest people — this is such a loss for the neighborhood,” wrote one East Sac resident.
Another neighbor added, “We were planning brunch there this weekend. Hoping they bounce back soon — we need places like this in our community.”
A longtime customer commented, “Their tiramisu latte is the best in town. Can’t wait for them to reopen.”
Offers of assistance poured in, from fundraising ideas to volunteer cleanup crews. The sentiment was clear: Brickland Restaurant & Bar is more than a business — it’s part of East Sacramento’s identity.
Investigation Underway
The Sacramento Police Department confirmed that Crime Scene Investigators responded to the establishment on December 25, shortly before 10:30 a.m., to process the scene. The family confirmed the restaurant had been broken into; alarm and security camera wiring was cut; property was damaged; and cash was stolen.
(Photo: Sarah Denos)
A fire was then set inside, causing extensive heat and smoke damage. While the circumstances surrounding the break-in and fire remain under investigation, the owners have hired their own private investigator, John Kennedy, who is working closely with their attorney.
Kennedy issued a public request: “If you live in the immediate area and have security cameras, please reach out. Any footage could help us piece together what happened.”
(Photo shows smoke and fire damage, Sarah Denos)
Brickland’s Roots and Resilience
Since opening in August 2022, Brickland Restaurant & Bar has become a neighborhood favorite for its Mediterranean-inspired menu, featuring dishes like mantu (Afghan dumplings), cheese flatbread, and its signature tiramisu latte. The restaurant also offers vegan options and a popular weekend brunch.
Despite the setback, owners Rahim and Sheila Amiri remain hopeful:
“Right now, we’re focused on understanding what happened and determining our next steps. We’re grateful for the care and kindness shown by our neighbors during an extremely difficult moment.”
How You Can Help
East Sacramento has faced challenges before, and each time, neighbors have come together. Brickland’s story is now part of that tradition — a reminder that resilience isn’t just about rebuilding walls, but about strengthening the bonds that hold a community together.
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