BUFFALO, N.Y. — The lot has cleared, and demolition crews have packed up. The community feels empty.
"It feels like a hole," says David Gutierrez, the former Pink's DJ. "I couldn't bring myself here when it was still the walls. I've had this hole for a few days. You would have people from all walks of life sitting in a row. Where that thing is- the cat, is where the old DJ booth was."
The Old Pink Bar was destroyed in a fire Monday night. Allen Street now feels a little different to the community.
However, neighboring bars are trying to fill that void. Like for David Arakelian, who's now opening his doors at noon.
"We got a call Monday that The Pink was burning down, and we needed to open. One of my co-owners came in at 12, and we've been open every day at 12 since," Arakelian says.
He says business has been going well since expanding hours.
"We were busy the first day and second day. So, why not? As long as people stay here, we will open, but if we're not getting customers, we won't."
He's not the only one expanding his hours. Mulligans Brick Bar will open seven days a week.
Arakelian tells me two other businesses have hired some of The Pink's employees. The support extends to Elmwood Ave. Cole's, another popular Buffalo restaurant and bar, is recreating The Pink's famous steak sandwich. 25% of the sales will go to a Go-Fund-Me set up for The Pink.
"We're big about community hospitality and just want our doors open for people," Arakelian says.
As far as the former DJ, "Right now, I'm making playlists to help people remember."
All there is, are memories.