Santiago’s Beer Garden, a beloved Harlem staple for the past eight years, tragically burned down on Wednesday afternoon. Santiago’s wasn’t just a restaurant; it was a gathering place that brought families together, provided comfort through good food and music, and created opportunities for more than 30 hardworking employees who served this community with pride.

Now our entire staff suddenly face the holidays without a paycheck and without the stability they’ve relied on. Many are parents, students, and longtime Harlem residents who are scrambling to figure out how they’ll cover rent, bills, and holiday essentials during what should be a joyful season.

This GoFundMe has been created for my employees, by me, to cover two months of payroll for all 30 staff members as they transition and search for new employment. Our goal is to raise $100,000 so every team member can breathe a little easier during this unexpected crisis, and have some peace of mind through the holidays.

Once the funds hit my account, I will payout my staff the same way I do every week when I do payroll.

If we are fortunate enough to raise additional funds beyond payroll, every extra dollar will go toward emergency costs related to the shutdown and toward rebuilding Santiago’s, whether that means restoring our home or relocating to a new one. These funds will help cover the immediate obligations we must still pay even though the business can no longer generate income, as well as support the long process of bringing Santiago’s back to life.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you.

Your generosity is helping 30 families get through the holidays and giving Santiago’s Beer Garden a real chance to rise again.