La Torta - 10,000.00

I am seeking financial assistance for my young co-worker Natalia Rojas, who – together with her larger family – stepped in to assume her father’s restaurant after his sudden passing in 2017.  Natalia and her family strived to keep the restaurant running but weren’t able to fill the very big shoes left behind by her father Miguel Rojas.  After much struggle, they closed the restaurant earlier this year and were in the process of searching for a sub-tenant to take over when the COVID virus hit.  To add to their growing debts and worries, the restaurant was vandalized with windows broken, graffiti and interior damage during the recent riots in La Mesa. 

 If you are unfamiliar with La Torta, it was founded in 1994 by Miguel Rojas. La Torta Cafe became a popular destination due to its menu of Mexican comfort foods and more than 40 variations of torta sandwiches – most named after the owner's siblings, nieces and nephews. 

"For 25 years, my late father (Miguel A. Rojas), my family, and I have had the pleasure of serving you. It has been a privilege to call many of you our dear friends. Thank you for all of the years of support that you have given us. We sincerely thank you for continuing to visit our restaurant even after the passing of my father. While La Torta will not be here in La Mesa, his legacy and contributions to this city will always be remembered. We hope to see you here soon to share a last memory.   With gratitude, Natalia Rojas"

Although the impact of the protests over the weekend in La Mesa resulted in damage to the La Torta Cafe space, Miguel's family shares the country’s outrage over the tragic death of George Floyd in Minnesota and countless other people of color, as well as the justified anger and fury in ensuing protests.

Any contribution would be most appreciated.