Sturgis Full Throttle Saloon Destroyed By Fire. Owner Michael Ballard Not Ready To Rebuild.

FullThrottleFireToday Wednesday September 9, Saloon owner Michael Ballard issued the following statement.

“Over the last two decades, The Full Throttle Saloon has been the epicenter of my life. Walking the grounds following this tragedy is simply devastating. We created a destination that resonated with working class America, and became over time a landmark for this great town which is Sturgis. Over the last several years, I’ve taken the success of the Full Throttle and made a significant investment in rebuilding my hometown of Trimble, Tennessee (where the Full Throttle S’loonshine distillery is based). Because of that large financial investment I am not in a position to just start rebuilding today. Right now I have to process what has happened and then figure out the future. As our plans come together, they will be shared, but as for today Angie and I are devastated. To everyone who made the Full Throttle become the special destination we all came to love, simply thank you.”

16 Responses to “Sturgis Full Throttle Saloon Destroyed By Fire. Owner Michael Ballard Not Ready To Rebuild.”


  1. 1 Paul Ashley Sep 9th, 2015 at 5:51 pm

    So, it means that Michael Ballard had no insurance on the buildings, no insurance for loss of income, etc? If it’s the case, shame on him. Imagine the liability if people were injured during the rally…

  2. 2 Eighteen Bravo Sep 9th, 2015 at 7:37 pm

    I just ask myself why no one bothered to move that bike in the photo. If it were mine, I think I could make an exception to the “don’t touch by bike” rule.

  3. 3 John J. TEXAS Sep 10th, 2015 at 5:10 am

    Pepperidge Farm remembers… RIP
    bummer dude…

  4. 4 Harlan Sep 10th, 2015 at 7:20 am

    Hard to imagine what is going through his head now. Give the man his space. Let him catch his breath. Stop the negative comments and put yourself in his shoes.

  5. 5 Nitchke Sep 10th, 2015 at 8:11 am

    @ Paul, what makes you think he had no insurance?

  6. 6 Boomer Sep 10th, 2015 at 8:39 am

    Was a cool place. Sure glad I got to see it last month during the 75th.

    I have a feeling, after things settle down, the FTS will be rebuilt in a new location. Maybe even do like the Broken Spoke did and have a campground to go with it. They already have a bunch of cabins that could be moved if they weren’t damaged by the fire.

    Ballard may even sell it and the name to someone with fresh energy. It sounds like he has been investing a lot in his new home in Tennessee and his new S’loonshine business. Bummer to lose 500 gallons in the fire though…

  7. 7 MadMatt Sep 10th, 2015 at 8:39 am

    Where does everyone get from that statement he had no insurance? Given that he probably levereaged the Throttle for investment in the distillery (of which alot of product was lost), its not as simple as “lets rebuild tomorrow”. Fire investigation takes time, insurance will more than likely not cover all “memorbilia” value, just building & physical equipment, apparel, etc, & then they basic question of what they do now as far as design, etc. He’s not saying he wont rebuild, just he’s not making a quick decision.

  8. 8 a duck Sep 10th, 2015 at 10:30 am

    quack…..

  9. 9 Celtdad Sep 10th, 2015 at 11:43 am

    Having lived through a fire that destroyed everything, I can attest to several things:
    For at least the first couple weeks you are totally devastated and it seems like your mind won’t function properly.
    The investigation into the cause can last 3-4 weeks. (Although it’s usually less)
    If Ballard didn’t have ‘replacement cost’ insurance, the company could give him far less than the actual cash value he placed on the business.
    As MadMatt pointed out, there may be inadequate coverage for ‘contents’. Ballard could be out several of thousands for alcohol and other products, not to mention personal property.
    A loss like this can cause both emotional and physical issues that could take a while to recover from.

    Let’s just send Ballard our best wishes and give him some space to recover.

  10. 10 Brad Kelley Sep 10th, 2015 at 11:53 am

    I don’t suspect any insurance fraud, but I always found odd that this type of fire most often starts around midnight. Was the Saloon open for business during the day when it happened? If there is insurance, I don’t think Ballard will receive money directly if he doesn’t rebuild. So, what happens if he decides to give up and want to sell the land? Anyone knows?

  11. 11 Woody's Sep 10th, 2015 at 3:47 pm

    When a small fire breaks out at noon, somebody usually spits on it and puts it out. Celtdad’s points are very timely and much more useful than playing guessing games. Personally, instead of what most of the commentators have chosen to do with their efforts, it’d probably be wiser if we spent the time to review the insurance situations on our OWN businesses.

  12. 12 chuck Sep 10th, 2015 at 4:18 pm

    If the man was smart enough to buy rain insurance for concerts, I’m sure he was smart enough to buy property insurance! Give the guy a break.

  13. 13 nicker Sep 10th, 2015 at 5:36 pm

    Not to worry, If there is a demand for it Someone will fill the need…..

    -nicker-

  14. 14 Knucklehead Sep 11th, 2015 at 12:18 pm

    I was always kinda shocked that the two electrical fires on the TV program were even aired. I would not have allowed the film crews near anything like that. Different state but the wiring I saw would never have passed any code in Michigan. I do wish he and Angie all the blessings to get past this.

  15. 15 Hockeypucker Sep 12th, 2015 at 2:54 pm

    I don’t care if he sets up four Army Tents I’ll be there Spending my hard earned Money! Michael is our “Biker Walt Disney” he puts on a Hell of a Show. remember what I told You Michael, “You Deserve To Suceed In This Business ” you have and you will continue. Tell us what you need, We got your Back.

  16. 16 Blackmax Sep 14th, 2015 at 5:24 pm

    If you went there, you had to go with the proper mind-set.
    It is what it is or was ….
    I had a good time there in 2008 & 2011, the last time I was in Sturgis.
    I’ve done a couple video interviews/articles with Jesse
    & several with Mike & Angie when they were out on the road.
    Good people, willing to take some time to talk with a “small timer” like me & my crew.
    I really hope this is an accident & not like some are implying & doesn’t turn out badly for them
    Agree with Celtdad !!!

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Cyril Huze