This summer marks 20 years since Vanessa’s Corner Pub opened its doors, on what was once known as Wagner’s Corner on Liberty Road in Carroll County. But instead of celebrating, the popular restaurant is reeling from a Tuesday night fire that devastated the 67-year-old building.
Vanessa’s was cordoned off with yellow tape this week, its windows boarded up. The family-run business noted on Facebook that it has been overwhelmed by the community’s outreach and support.
An employee posted an Instagram photo of the charred interior, writing: “Please keep Vanessa’s Corner Pub in prayers during this tragic time. This is our family, our therapy, our work, and our everything.”
The fire was a topic of conversation Wednesday at the Taylorsville Marathon gas station across the street from the restaurant.
“It’s very unfortunate, because it’s kind of an icon. It brings the whole community together,” said the gas station’s owner, who identified himself as Rahul B. “I really hope they rebuild, because that’s like a town icon.”
One of the owner’s daughters, Erica Wakeland, described in an Instagram post how her mom, Vanessa Chrisafis, “grew up waitressing here as a teenager” and how “over the years, this restaurant became a true community hub.”
She added: “Though the physical space is gone, the memories — and the community we built together — remain. Please keep my mom, sister and all the employees in your prayers.”
Neil McGilvray, a Westminster-based bass player, said his former band, Train Wreck, got its start playing at Vanessa’s in 2014. He is offering to have his current classic-rock band, Down the Rabbit Hole, play for free at any fundraising event to support the pub.
“We know all the people, from (owner) Vanessa (Chrisafis) on down. They have always been very cordial, very supportive,” he said, adding “there is a family feel … Vanessa’s was always a good gig for us.”
The pub was known for hosting fundraising events, such as for the Mid-Atlantic German Shepherd Rescue, where Down the Rabbit Hole performed, he said.
“They bring in a variety of people from the area,” McGilvray said.
Two Mount Airy businesses, Liquidity Aleworks and the new Walker’s on Main, announced a fundraiser for Vanessa’s, to take place July 8. Ten percent of all proceeds will go to the family.
McGilvray pointed out that Full Moon Pub & Grill, in Reisterstown — another longtime live-music destination — has yet to fully recover from a fire there this past October.
“I work in construction management, so I am familiar with what a fire can do to a facility and how long it can take to recover from that,” McGilvray said.
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