Up In Smoke – Hog Wild BBQ Owners Now Facing Additional Charges For Marijuana

This bizarre story just took another strange turn. The owners of Hog Wild BBQ in Solon Springs have been charged with arson and manufacturing, and delivering THC. The owners, Steven Kastern and his wife Kimberly, owned and operated the Hog Wild BBQ and Smokehouse Restaurant in Solon Springs, Wisconsin. 

June 10th, 2025 Structure Fire

On June 10, a structure fire was reported at the restaurant. The fire was in the storage room and office area in the back of the building. The fire was extinguished, but extensive damage was caused.

Northern News Now reports that the insurance policy on the restaurant was set to expire because the establishment did not meet guidelines established by the insurance agency.

Insurance Investigation Leads To Suspicious Behavior

The insurance agency hired a fire investigator who reviewed surveillance footage. In the footage, the owner, Steven Kastern, is seen emptying out the money from the gambling machines in the bar and putting a Post-it note over the security camera.

Footage shows that the couple left the bar at 8:37 pm. By 8:40 pm, smoke was visible. Both Kimberly Kastern and Steven Kastern deny any involvement in the fire.

Search Warrant Finds Marijuana

A search warrant was executed for the Kastern's home. That's when authorities found marijuana potted plants outside the home. The plants tested positive for THC, and they've been charged with manufacturing and delivering THC.

Read More: Wisconsin Volunteer Fire Departments Battle Two Blazes In Small Town

There was another fire that occurred in Solon Springs at the same time as the alleged arson at Hog Wild. Nearby, the Gordon and Bennett Fire Department was called to a woman's home, who woke up to electronics on fire in her home.

Hog Wild BBQ posted a message on their Facebook page thanking the community for support, saying they would be closed until further notice. It's now listed as permanently closed on Google.