Late-night fire claims Holden Beach bar and beach shop

Late Thursday night, the Tri-Beach Volunteer Fire Department and several other agencies responded to a call to find the Holden Beach Trolley Stop almost completely engulfed in fire. Chief Doug Todd said that they arrived on the scene shortly after 11 p.m. and remained there until about 4 a.m. Friday.

The business, also known as HB Trolley Stop, is a beach store, snack shop and bar located at 108 Jordan Blvd. in Holden Beach. The venue also hosts live music, karaoke and other events during the season.

Todd said the fire appeared to have started in an open-air bar area on the ground floor. While an investigation is underway, it appears to be accidental, he said.

"Holden Beach Trolley Stop was a home for everyone," said Collin Ridenhour, son of owners Jeremy and Cindy Ridenhour. "It is a great loss to our friends and our family and the friends from around the states. The story is not over yet. We will rebuild, and we will be better than ever."

Friends, neighbors and employees posted their support for the business. They described a place to find the coldest beer in town and a home away from home.

“We, as well as the rest of the Holden Beach community, are devastated to awaken to the news this morning of the structure fire that claimed the Holden Beach Trolley Stop last night,” said a post from the Holden Beach Provision Company restaurant. “Our thoughts and prayers are with our neighbors across the waterway.”

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Allison Ballard is the food and dining reporter at the StarNews. You can reach her at [email protected].

This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Fire destroys Holden Beach Trolley Stop in Brunswick County, NC