Curve Inn Reopens After Fire Closure

The historic Springfield bar held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark its return after a February fire forced it to shut down.

Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Openings & Closings

Photograph of a weathered red brick historic building entrance with a propped-open wooden door, warm interior light, and a potted plant at the threshold. — Curve Inn reopened in Springfield on Thursday with a ribbon-cutting led by owners Ami and Ray Merchant, months after a February fire forced the historic bar to close. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Curve Inn held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate its reopening after being shut down for months following a fire in February. Owners Ami Merchant and her husband, Ray, marked the return of the historic bar.

Why it matters

The reopening restores a historic gathering place to the Springfield community after an extended closure. Its return also signals the recovery of a local business following a damaging fire.

The bar was out of service for eight months after a February fire that started in the center roof area of the beer garden. Investigators believe the fire was electrical, and the official ruling was accidental.

The players

Curve Inn

A historic bar in Springfield, Illinois, that reopened after a February fire forced it to close for eight months.

Ami Merchant

Co-owner of Curve Inn alongside her husband, Ray, who oversaw the bar's return to service.

The details

Curve Inn is a historic bar that was shut down for months following a fire in February. The fire started in the center roof area of the beer garden and was ruled accidental, with investigators believing it was electrical in nature.

February 2026: Fire struck Curve Inn, forcing its closure.
November 6, 2026: Curve Inn held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its reopening.

Market Landscape

Curve Inn's return follows the pattern of independent Springfield businesses restoring historic venues after fire damage. Its reopening adds back a legacy hospitality operator to the local bar market.

Springfield diners and drinkers can return to Curve Inn for its historic bar and beer garden. The reopening restores a familiar local option after eight months without service.

The takeaway

Historic local businesses can recover from serious fire damage when owners invest in restoration, as the Curve Inn reopening shows. Residents interested in local dining and nightlife can watch for similar reopenings in their own neighborhoods.