In a jaw-dropping few seconds on Friday, powerful winds tore the roof off Broadway Brewhouse in downtown New Philadelphia, folding a huge section over the three-story building and scattering debris into a nearby alley. Staff and customers inside escaped without injuries, but the popular bar and restaurant is closed while crews and engineers sort out whether the structure is safe. Employees across the street caught the whole thing on cell phone video as the roof peeled away.
Video captured the roof tearing away
According to News 5 Cleveland, employee Rheagan Kohl recorded the moment the roof lifted and ripped free. About three-quarters of the roof, which had been installed less than a year ago, peeled back and folded on top of the building. Owner Kristina Williams told reporters the sight was gutting and said a chimney dropped to the second floor. The dining area on the first floor was spared, and she noted that "everybody got out of there." Talk about a close call.
Storm warnings and official reports
The National Weather Service had issued high-wind watches and advisories for parts of northeast and east-central Ohio earlier in the week, warning of damaging gusts strong enough to snap limbs, flip shelters and damage roofs. National Weather Service summaries and local products showed a pattern capable of sudden, severe gusts that matched the damage first responders found on Friday.
Damage across Tuscarawas County
News 5 Cleveland also reported that Superior Clay in Uhrichsville lost a large section of roof and that a shelter at Tuscora Park was twisted and overturned. New Philadelphia Fire Captain Jim Sholtz told reporters crews were handling "seven or eight" damage calls at once and described sustained winds of 20 to 30 mph with gusts "upwards of close to 90 mph" during the worst of the system.
What’s next for Broadway Brewhouse
Broadway Brewhouse, listed at 127 S Broadway St in downtown New Philadelphia, will stay closed while owner Kristina Williams works with insurers and structural engineers on repairs and a safe reopening plan. The local business directory lists the restaurant's downtown address and hours, but for now the doors are shut as assessments continue. Williams said she intends to rebuild, though there is no timeline yet. City crews and building inspectors are clearing debris and checking nearby structures, and officials are asking residents to steer clear of cordoned-off areas until the work is finished.
