Help Rekindle The Campfire!

We have been fighting more battles than you know to be able to open these doors again, but we are making it happen.

Our entire community has had a rough time of it lately and I count our blessings every day that we are able to move this mission forward at all.

We hope you will all join us in the spirit of renewal and new beginnings as we reopen this fall!

You will find The Campfire nestled in the center of Railroad Street in beautiful St. Johnsbury, Vermont. It's like no place else around.

The Campfire grew out of a love for bringing people together. A need for a place where people could bond and socialize. These are dark times and I wanted The Campfire to be a beacon of hope, a place where people could come to find peace, fun, delicious food, and get to know their community.

I love to watch people come in for the first time. They aren't sure what they will find when they open the door, but then hints of wonder and excitement grow on their faces. Some will dip their hands in the water vaper fireplace and delight in the cool droplets swirling around their fingers, looking just like flame. Our 20 foot mural by local artist Zach Johnsen pulls their eyes forward through an eclectic mix of seating and they move to investigate the nooks in the back. These cozy nooks are set up to be the perfect hangout spot: each one has comfy floor seats, smart tvs, gaming connections, and room for your best friends.

Looking at our menu may only make you hungrier. Old favorites are mixed in with new twists. Whether you are a picky eater or more adventurous, there is something there for you. What are you in the mood for today? A classic breakfast platter? Some syrnki? A dutch baby? Sesame noodles and Salmon? Everything is fresh and tasty and you cannot make a bad choice.

If you would like to be part of our founding members group, you can donate here. As a founding member you will be among the first to know about The Campfire’s news and events, menu additions, and special offers.

Looking forward to seeing old friends and meeting new ones, and to sharing in the glow of The Campfire!

Q&A

Q: What's so special about this place?

A: The Campfire was created to give people comfort and make them feel welcome. We offer things you can't get anywhere else in the area. We make unique (and delicious!) food items like biscuit bombs and syrniki. We collaborate with local vendors (Hatchland, Nellie's Organic Eggs, Mountain View Mushroom Farm, and more!) to showcase what the NEK has to offer and keep the money in our community. We offer entertainment options and a social environment that brings the community together.

We plan to host events such as Minecraft night, Steal the Heart of the Campfire (a hometown heist), Storytime by the Campfire (where we invite local people to come share their stories), and karaoke.

Q: What made you decide to do this?

A: The idea for The Campfire has been growing for years. Especially since COVID, we have been watching the community lose spaces where they feel comfortable coming together. We have always loved the way food can make strangers friends, and make friends even closer. When we saw the old Central Cafe space for lease we heard opportunity knocking loud and clear :)

Q: Do you have a business plan?

A: Yes! We worked closely with the Vermont Small Business Development Center to ensure our business is well thought out and has a good amount of community support. If you would like to see the plan just shoot us an email request and we will share it.

Q: Who owns the company?

A: Ilana (that's me!) - CEO, responsible for general company management, advertising, and bookkeeping

Q: Are you investing any of your own money?

A: Yes! I have put in nearly 80k of my own money to move in to the space, make needed improvements, & pay people for their work

Q: Why do you need more money now?

A: Due to issues with the building we had to close almost immediately after we opened in early April. While the landlord worked on resolving these issues our overhead costs (insurance, wages due, etc.) have continued to come in. Meeting these financial obligations has depleted our funds the point where reopening is becoming increasingly difficult.

Q: What will you use the money for?

A: 50% of it will be used to support the first payroll for our amazing staff as things ramp back up. About 35% of it will be used to fund community events in the first 60 days and the final 15% will be used for various reopening tasks, like completing the nooks, food inventory, increasing our game selection, and promoting the reopening.

Q: Why has this fundraiser existed since January?

A: This an extension of the original fundraiser for launching The Campfire. We didn't promote it much initially. We are relaunching so soon after we should have opened it seemed fitting to just update it.

no raffles, sweepstakes, giveaways, or promotions are offered in exchange for any donations made to your GoFundMe.