On Valentine's Day 2025, my life changed dramatically when I was laid off from my Federal job with the USDA. That same day, I saw an ad for a restaurant space on Franklin St. It felt like fate, and with memories of running a successful restaurant in Easthampton, MA, I decided to take a leap and start another one. My family believed in me and helped with the initial capital, but renovation costs quickly ate through our working funds. We opened our doors and business was strong through June, but after the 4th of July, sales dropped unexpectedly. I was late in trimming staffing and expenses to match the new sales, and soon needed short-term capital to pay expenses. That came at a high cost, and once you start down that path, it's hard to get out. I cut staffing and expenses to a bare minimum and recently adjusted prices to reflect higher food and supply costs. Business has been good, but the weekly debt payments really eat into our cash flow.

With your support, we can pay off some of the short-term lenders and get the cash flow flowing again. Funds raised will be used to pay off short-term debt and provide immediate capital to cover operating expenses. This support will help stabilize cash flow and keep the restaurant running smoothly for our staff, our family, and the community we love.

I want to personally thank anyone considering donating to our fund. My whole family is counting on this restaurant working, and your donations will go a long way in helping us get on the right track. You have already offered great support by choosing to eat with us, and we have so many regulars already! I know things are tough for everyone, but anyone who has the means to donate will help keep a local family business alive in Westfield!