I’m raising funds to support Pedro and Maria, and their hardworking staff at El Mezcal Mexican Restaurant in Sauk Centre, Minnesota.

Late last year, Pedro suffered a serious shoulder injury that required surgery. Because Pedro is the restaurant’s cook, his injury has meant closing El Mezcal for over a month now. While the surgery was necessary, recovery has been slow, and Pedro is still unable to work. Simply put: a restaurant without its cook cannot operate.

This fundraiser is meant to help cover living expenses and essential business costs during this unexpected closure, so that when Pedro is healed (hopefully within the next six weeks) El Mezcal will still be there waiting for him, Maria, and their staff to return.

Pedro and Maria have poured years of care into this community. El Mezcal is the kind of place where the food is consistently wonderful, faces are familiar, and you’re often greeted like a friend rather than just a customer. They’ve built more than a restaurant, they’ve built a gathering place in our community.

We would hate to see a beloved local business struggle or a family bear this burden alone. This is an opportunity for our community to return the care Pedro and Maria have so generously given - by helping them stay afloat during this difficult season and ensuring El Mezcal can open its doors again.

Thank you for supporting a family, a staff, and a restaurant that truly matters to Sauk Centre.