Buffalo Man Pleads Guilty to Arson That Destroyed The Old Pink

In the early morning hours of June 17, 2024, the Buffalo Fire Department (BFD) responded to the scene of a fire at 223 Allen Street, a restaurant/bar known as The Old Pink. The building was engulfed in flames and was ultimately destroyed.

The fire marshal determined that the fire had been set deliberately. Investigators recovered a blue propane torch from the rear of the building and video evidence showed an individual in the rear of the building near the origin of the fire. The same individual is then seen walking away from the area and a short time later, a fire can be seen.

According to U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo, investigators, and people who knew him, that individual in the video was John W. Burns of Buffalo, who has now pleaded guilty to arson in federal court.

Prosecutors determined that Burns was at The Old Pink earlier in the evening and had a confrontation with a security officer . The security officer told police that he had confronted Burns after a female patron complained that Burns had touched her inappropriately. The security officer said Burns was asked to leave but refused. Police said that a fight ensued and Burns stated: “I’ll be back (expletive), I’ll burn that (expletive) down, ain’t nobody going to have a job.”

Buffalo police estimated the damages at $1.25 million. The building had to be demolished and the popular bar has not reopened.

Sentencing is scheduled for October 27. The charge carries a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

The establishment was a long-time beloved “dive bar” known for offering inexpensive drinks and steak sandwiches.

According to reporting by Buffalo Rising, the vacant lot was purchased after the insurance claim was settled and is under development.