Firehouse 28 is owned and operated by Alan and Paula Barbeau. The restaurant name is inspired by Alan’s badge number. Alan received his badge while serving as a fire fighter. Alan’s badge is displayed on his helmet at the restaurant. The number is also significant as it is his and his daughter’s birthdates and his anniversary date.
Alan fought fires for over 30 years for departments in Tea, SD, Valley Lee, MD, Marathon, FL, and Hinton, IA. Alan reflected on his time as a fire fighter, “I’d do it all over again. It’s very honorable to be a firefighter.” Alan went on to state, ““You don’t just wake up some day and say ‘I’m going to become a fire fighter’. It’s in your bones, something that’s in you already.”
Cooking has always been a second passion of Alan’s. This is the first restaurant that the Barbeau’s have owned but Alan was a general manager for Crazy Bob’s in Peterson, Iowa. That opportunity gave him the chance to see first-hand how a business is run from the back of the house to the front.
Firehouse 28’s opening had a rough start. Alan’s mother passed away suddenly during the scheduled opening week of the business. Alan reflected on the community’s response throughout that difficult time, “Calumet has been very supportive. The community has been very welcoming, made us feel at home right off the bat.” Alan also reflected on the community at large, “Farmers take care of the world so we take care of the farmers.”
Firehouse 28 features smoked brisket and pork. Alan said he is looking into getting some local live music at the restaurant as well as offer catering services, dine-in/take-out, and open up the side venue of the building for local events and community gatherings.
