> At a Glance
> – Waxahachie’s Blind Pig Butchery destroyed by fire January 5, 2026
> – Owner Jay DeSimone planned major expansion for the new year
> – Crews controlled blaze in 15 minutes; no injuries reported
> – Why it matters: Local farm-to-table business and several jobs lost in early-morning blaze
Jay DeSimone arrived at 814 Water St. before dawn Monday and realized the five-year dream he opened just three months earlier was gone.
The Fire
Waxahachie Fire Rescue responded at 4:32 a.m. and found heavy flames sweeping through the historic building.
Chief Scott Safford reported:
- Fire already “well advanced” on arrival
- Controlled within 15 minutes
- Nearby structures protected
- Cause under investigation
The Business
DeSimone transformed the former Catfish Plantation into a butcher and specialty market, aiming to offer “something very different” in Ellis County.
Blind Pig highlights:
- Grand opening: October 2025
- Rapid local popularity
- Staff included a chef and full-time butcher
- Complements DeSimone’s 840 Farm
Community Response
Despite the devastation, DeSimone says community support has been “overwhelming.”
He told News Of Fort Worth:
> “We’re blessed to have so many people that reached out: what can we do? How can we help?”
His pledge:
> “We built this place up once and we believe we can do it again.”
Key Takeaways
- Blaze wipes out fast-growing farm-to-table butcher shop
- Several employees now jobless
- Fire cause still unknown
- Owner vows to rebuild with community backing
DeSimone’s expansion plans for 2026 are on hold as he and his family assess the ruins of the business they launched less than 100 days ago.
