<div>Covizza started as a DIY pizza operation in Brittany and Jakob’s backyard in the midst of the pandemic (hence the name). I remember hearing people talk about this coveted pizza, how it required reservations. After some internet sleuthing and even setting an alarm to place an order, I managed to score one myself. I headed to their house not knowing what to expect, and was immediately greeted by an exceedingly warm couple. Although it was our first time connecting, Brittany and Jakob made me feel like we’d long been friends.
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<div>And as for the pizza… WOW. Anyone who has had the privilege of enjoying a slice of Covizza can attest to it being some of the best pizza out there. It was clear these Covizza people knew what they were doing, and knew how to do it well. They also gave us a rarity in the midst of the pandemic: something fun (and delicious!) to look forward to each week.
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<div>Since then, Covizza has grown from reservation-only backyard pickups to sold-out pop-ups at The Informalist and The Lakely, and also expanding into a shared kitchen space in Banbury. In 2023, they announced they’d be moving out of that space and into their own space at The 1106, alongside other small businesses like Modicum Brewing. Some of you know what happened next. (For those of you who don’t, more on this <a href="https://volumeone.org/articles/2023/10/19/328678-popular-pizza-joint-covizza-announces-unclear" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a> and <a href="https://volumeone.org/articles/2024/02/01/335097-hello-leonas-local-pizzeria-to-reopen-on-galloway-street" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>.) Through no fault of their own, Covizza was left without a home.
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<div>Thankfully, things got back on track in 2024, and Brittany and Jakob were able to find another location in downtown Eau Claire. Covizza would now become Leona’s: a restaurant, bar and event space. Financial projections were checked and re-checked. Loans were applied for. A lease was signed. A contractor was hired and paid. And then, well, bad luck struck again. The contractor disappeared and the work went undone, with little to no recourse for recouping the payment.
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<div>This is an extraordinary setback for anyone. After growing Covizza from their backyard into an established business, Brittany and Jakob had steadily raised capital and applied for loans to help fund the restaurant: remodeling the space and kitchen, purchasing equipment, and start-up costs for the first months after opening. Being out tens of thousands of dollars put them in a precarious position (they can’t afford legal fees or a protracted legal battle, both of which would push back the opening of Leona’s).
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<div>Still, Brittany and Jakob did not want to ask for help. They want to give back to the community, not take from it. But the existence of Leona’s will give so much to our community.
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<div>We’ve created this GoFundMe as a way to help mitigate the losses they’ve incurred and set the restaurant up for success. They’ve begun working with a new contractor and will announce an opening date soon! The GoFundMe is asking for $30,000 to help mitigate costs, and here’s a breakdown of the financials:
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<li>$70,000 lost from first contractor with uncompleted work
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<li>$60,000 construction to finish the kitchen
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<li>$30,000+ for kitchen equipment
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<li>Plus opening costs and overhead.
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<div>By giving to this GoFundMe, you’ll be helping two kind and deserving people build the ‘third space’ our community needs. Brittany and Jakob worked so hard to make Covizza into a thriving business, and Leona’s is set to be a unique restaurant and venue space, with a separate room for hosting live music, comedy, all-ages events, and more. It even has a patio(!!!). Just imagine it: popping down to Leona’s with friends and family for a slice, or grabbing a whole pizza to go and heading to music in the park. Once the restaurant is up and running, you can also expect cooking classes, craft nights, book clubs, workshops, entertainment from a variety of genres and performers, and more. From the front door to the patio, Leona’s aims to become a home away from home for all of us: a place to connect over good food, good conversation, and good music; a place to celebrate good days or cozy up and commiserate on bad days; a place for birthdays, anniversaries, and also just your average Wednesday.
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<div>So while this GoFundMe certainly helps Brittany and Jakob (+ little Niko!) it really is a gift to the whole community too, something that’s been true about Covizza since the DIY days. As someone who is lucky enough to get to chase dreams with them and the rest of Leona's staff, and as someone who is a longtime fan of the people and their pizza, I hope you’ll contribute to the campaign and the growth of Leona’s – pizza for the people, and a space for all!
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<div>With thanks,
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<div>Jordan Duroe
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<div>(Leona's Bartender + Events Organizer)
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</div><img alt="" media_type="3" src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/84101593_1731540651553960_r.jpeg" width="100%" />
<div>under construction! &amp; early days of Covizza...
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</div><img alt="" media_type="3" src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/84101593_1731540674651012_r.jpeg" width="100%" />
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</div><img alt="" media_type="3" src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/84101593_1731540115774167_r.jpeg" width="100%" />
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<div>cover photo by Evelyn Nelson / @eve.lyn.made
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