Sharing similar pasts, Corner Pub is now giving a helping hand to Trackside employees.

David over at InDecatur notes that Corner Pub will host Trackside’s “Soup-Off” this Sunday in conjunction with Trackside employees.  Submissions should be brought in between 3-4p.  Judging will take place at 4p.

In an updated AJC article this morning, 5th Earl owner Brian Falcon tells the paper that they will do something similar for their employees in the coming days, so stay tuned for that.  Also Falcon sounds unsure as to whether he will be able to reopen in the same space.  This may have something to do with the fact that the fire department has yet to determine whether the building will be condemned or not (Trackside and 5th Earl shared a roof).

And though there have been a lot of rumors swirling around regarding the cause of the fire, the fire department has yet to make any official statement.

UPDATE V: One of the 5th Earl owners, David, checks in and promises to come back “stronger and better than before” in the comments section.

UPDATE IV: Ali Laipple has posted a gallery of photos of the damage on her Facebook page.  Click the pic below to view.

h/t: InDecatur

UPDATE III: Paula provides a cell phone pic of the Trackside damage.  Can’t see inside, but windows are shattered and there is definitely a lot of damage…

UPDATE II: According to the Fire Dept, Trackside was destroyed by the fire.  Asst. City Manager Lyn Menne reports…

“The fire department reports that 5th Earl did receive smoke and water damage and additional structural damage because of a shared roof system. Trackside was destroyed. No word on insurance yet or the cause of the fire but we’ll keep you posted and no information about whether there wasmoke damage at Bistro Box or Wiggle. The Decatur community rallied behind our local businesses during similar disasters on Church Street and later at College Avenue and hopefully they will rise to the occassion again.”

See Lyn’s full comment below.

Trackside is a Decatur institution.  I echo Lyn’s hope that we can again pull together to help revive these Decatur businesses.

UPDATE I: Eyewitness reports from residents (in the comments section) seem to indicate that both Trackside and 5th Earl took major hits from this fire.

First on DM…

I’ve gotten two reports this morning thus far about a fire in the Trackside/5th Earl building along College Ave.  Not yet sure which establishments were affected.  Bistro in a Box and Wiggle are also located in that building.

Hope all are safe.

Stay tuned.

Close Up advisor and DHS teacher Chris Billingsley writes in…

1. On Friday from 5:00 until 7:00, we will have a fund raiser at Fifth Earl, across from the old depot and next to Trackside Tavern.  Please come by and enjoy great food and drinks at reasonable prices.

2. Saturday is “Rake&Run”.  A team of Close Up students with adult chaperons will come to your Decatur home and do yard work- rake and bag leaves, clean first story gutters, apply mulch, and much much more.  This is a free service for City residents but any donations to help pay for our Washington, Inaugural trip will be greatly appreciated.  Please contact Mr. Chris Billingsley at to reserve a spot.

And since we’re speaking of trees, just a quick personal plea… “Oak trees!!  I implore you to PLEASE just drop your leaves!  The maples and ginkgoes complied weeks ago!  I know you’re upset about the drought, but who isn’t!?  Just let it go.   If you do, I promise two days of delicious, cold rain.”

My tendency to speak out to uncomprehensive plants on the internet is unsettling…even to me.

Click the smaller image below to view 5th Earl’s Thanksgiving Day Menu chock full of great starters, sides, “accompaniments” and desserts.

Lots of delicious complements to go with your Ashley Farms Turkey (which can be ordered from Sawickis!).

Click the pic above for a larger version of the menu

I’m a big fan of all of these Highland brews, so this is definitely something I’m considering.

Check out the 5th Earl website for more details.