(SACRAMENTO, CA) — In the aftermath of a Christmas Day vandalism and arson attack that left East Sacramento’s Brickland Restaurant & Bar shuttered, the community has mobilized to provide critical support for the dozens of employees suddenly out of work. The restaurant sustained major fire and smoke damage, forcing owners Rahim and Sheila Amiri to close both Brickland Restaurant and Bar and their adjacent Brick Café. Their team of 25 part-time employees were left without income during the holiday season.
Community members quickly stepped in:
GoFundMe Campaign: Organized by family friend Joel Ayres, the fundraiser aims to provide direct financial assistance to every employee. The campaign’s goal is $50,000, with all funds distributed evenly among staff. As of early afternoon on January 15, nearly $2,000 has been raised.
Direct Donations: Neighbors and patrons have flooded social media with offers to purchase gift cards and prepay for future meals.Local Impact: Businesses along the Folsom Boulevard corridor are also temporarily closed due to smoke damage, underscoring the widespread effect on the neighborhood.
Fire Report Confirms “Incendiary” Cause
OpGov.ai received the Sacramento Police Department and Sacramento Fire Department incident reports. According to the fire report, the blaze was classified as “incendiary,” meaning intentionally set. At approximately 8:00 a.m. on December 25, 2025, the restaurant owners reported heavy smoke inside the building. Engine 4 responded and found thick black smoke at waist level and moderate heat. The initial fire was located in the kitchen prep area, with additional fires discovered near the coffee shop counter and the bar area. Multiple points of origin prompted investigators to deem the incident suspicious and dispatch an arson investigator.
“Heartbroken but Determined”
Rahim and Sheila Amiri, who opened Brickland in 2022, expressed their devastation on Instagram, calling the destruction “heartbreaking” after investing their life savings into the business.
Despite the setback, community resolve remains strong. “Good luck with repairs. We are with you!!,” one supporter wrote on Instagram. “I’m so sorry and sad this has happened. I love Brickland and your amazing family. I’m looking forward to coming back and supporting you in anyway I can. Please let us know what you need,” said another in an earlier Instagram post.
(Brickland Restaurant and Bar Instagram Image)
The investigation remains active, with the case being handled by the SPD Crime Scene Investigation unit and the Sacramento Fire Department.
How to Help
Those interested in supporting the displaced staff can find the official "Help Brickland Staff" fundraiser on GoFundMe or stay updated on reopening efforts via the Brickland Instagram page.
Submit Sacramento County tips and story ideas to Sarah Denos at sarahkdenos@gmail.com.
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