Coffee Shop, Speakeasy For Firefighters Closes In Anne Arundel County

PASADENA, MD — A coffee shop and speakeasy supporting volunteer firefighters closed March 3 in Pasadena.

The nonprofit establishment, Second Alarm Brewhouse, cited financial setbacks. It's still fundraising to pay off its last bills.

"Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, we have been unable to sustain our operations over the past few months," President Duane D. McKee said in a Feb. 2 closure announcement on Facebook. "Several compounded factors have taken a toll on our business, and we have been unable to recover from the financial setbacks we have faced. As a result, we have made the difficult decision to close our doors permanently."

The nonprofit raised awareness for and recruited volunteer firefighters.

Second Alarm started as a mobile coffee truck in March 2019, Pasadena Voice reported.

The full coffee shop opened in October 2020 at 8510 Fort Smallwood Road. After dark, Second Alarm converted into a members-only speakeasy.

Second Alarm neighbored the Riviera Beach Volunteer Fire Company, where Chesapeake Bay Media said McKee volunteers.

"This decision is heartbreaking, but it is right for our organization," McKee said in his Facebook post. "We will continue to support the volunteer fire service in other ways, and we hope that you will continue to join us in our efforts."

Community Reactions

Supporters shared their memories after the closure announcement.

"Your vision was grand and you have and continue to do so much for the community and Firefighters in Anne Arundel County," Donovan Illig commented on Facebook. "My heart breaks for you. You brought something special and unique to the community."

Philip Barile, a volunteer at Berwyn Heights Volunteer Fire Department, appreciated Second Alarm's mission.

"Thank you for all you have done to try to recruit more volunteers," Barile wrote on Facebook. "I will truly miss Second Alarm Brewhouse. It was a great one of a kind coffee shop."

Pasadena resident Shelly Caulder will also miss the shop.

"This breaks my heart," Caulder replied on Facebook. "This coffee shop has been a great asset to the community and will surely be missed by all. As a regular customer and as a person who conducted business meetings in your conference room, we thank you so much."

Final Fundraiser

Second Alarm still has about $40,000 in bills, The Capital reported.

The shop held a closeout sale from March 5 through March 9 to cover some of its closing costs.

Second Alarm also has a GoFundMe collecting donations. The fundraiser had collected $1,350 by 11 a.m. Tuesday. The campaign is still accepting donations at this link.

"We want to thank our staff and volunteers who have worked tirelessly to make our coffee shop a welcoming and inclusive space for everyone in our community," McKee said on Facebook. "We also want to thank our customers for their support and for making our coffee shop a part of their daily routine."