Help me fight National Grid and Re-Open Buddy’s Diner!

Dear Friends, Family, and Kind Strangers,

My name is Nicole Bairos, and I am the proud owner of Buddy’s Diner, a small, single mother-owned business that I’ve poured my heart and soul into for 19 years. I started this business with a dream to carry on the legacy of Buddy’s Diner, a Somerville landmark since 1953. I wanted to create something meaningful, to offer food and service I believed in, and to provide for my family and community. What I never anticipated was that this dream would be derailed by the forces of corporate greed and the overwhelming power of a large utility company that refuses to be held accountable.

On June 22, 2021, my business was devastated by Boston Gas Corp., National Grid, and Devereaux Construction. During the “Green Line Extension” project, construction outside my business caused the collapse of drains and sewers, flooding my building and causing the city to close my business. The damage to the building is estimated through the public adjuster to be approximately $150,000, and the Attorney is requiring a retainer of $25,000 to initiate legal proceedings. I've spent countless hours on the phone dealing with insurance, lawyers, adjusters, and fought tooth and nail to get these companies to do the right thing, only to be met with resistance, denials, and an utter lack of accountability. As a small business owner, I simply cannot fight back against their financial and legal might. They have the resources to drown me in paperwork, while I am left trying to scrape together enough to hire counsel to fight them and also begin the rebuilding of the property and business.

I am reaching out to you today because I am out of options. I’ve given everything I have, but I’m at a breaking point. The bills are piling up, my savings have run dry, and my dream is slipping through my fingers. But I won’t give up. I refuse to let these big companies destroy everything I’ve worked for. I need your help to begin my legal fight for justice and to rebuild my business. Your donations will help cover critical legal fees and help with the rebuilding of the diner.

This is more than just a business to me—it’s my heart, my passion, and my livelihood. It’s about fighting for small businesses, for women in business, and for the belief that hard work and dedication should count for something. If you’ve ever believed in the power of a small business, in standing up to injustice, then I ask for your support. No amount is too small, and every donation brings me one step closer to turning this nightmare around.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking the time to read my story, and for your consideration in helping me preserve the dream I’ve worked so hard to build.

With deep gratitude,

__________________

Nicole Bairos, Owner-Buddy’s Diner