Lets keep our local gem Little Tex alive
Donation protected
Ive been a loyal customer of Little Tex Bistro for years. I was disheartened to hear of this family's story regarding their struggle to keep their family business alive. The Burrells have exhausted every option for financial support, but due to Covid-19 circumstances they have repeatedly fallen through the cracks of this post Covid system.
Like many people, Tracy and Shamis Burrell had a dream of owning their own restaurant. In the year 2018 they had the opportunity to buy a small local gem. Little Tex was established in 1995. It is a historical landmark of Vernon and serves one of a kind favorite dishes like the Sloppy Tex Burrito and they make the best soups in town!
As many know keeping a small locally owned restaurant thriving can be a difficult task, and in July 2018 a road closure severely affected their business. They have been recovering ever since. In the 2 years of owning Little Tex they made a modest living, and thanks to their loyal customers they stayed afloat. In February shortly before Covid affected all restaurants, business was gaining steady ground and Little Tex was bouncing back. The future looked promising.
Then Covid-19 created a new set of circumstances. Due to their ongoing struggle to recover losses since 2018, the financing they applied for to stay open was denied and previously planned financing options were put on hold. Tracy and Shamis decided to close the doors of Little Tex temporarily on March 15 th 2020 with the hope of reopening in July. The Burrells only income was the restaurant. After spending the past 3.5 months waiting for financing to reopen Little Tex, they have used up their last resources to keep afloat for themselves and their family.
On July 23 2020 their mortgage comes up for renewal and they will not qualify with no income and poor credit. It is a catch 22. Without the mortgage they will not qualify for a loan to reopen.
The restaurant sits empty.
Although the economy is restarting now, the impact Covid-19 is having on this family has left them in a position of not being able re-open Little Tex. Not only will the Burrells and their two teenage sons be losing their home, their daughters young family with a granddaughter living in the basement suite will be impacted. There is also a family with a baby on the way in their rental suite.
3 homes will suffer.
Is there light at the end of then tunnel for Little Tex?
No matter how stressful and scary the Burrells situation has gotten they have stood together as a strong, close family and have continued to stay positive. Let us work as a community to give this family a hand up and keep a beloved local business that is focused on making meals from scratch with fresh ingredients, alive. We are looking to raise
$25, 000 for the restaurants re opening costs, including advertisement, re- licencing, & staffing as well as a new oven, hot plate, and dishwasher.
Here are some ways you can help:
1. Go to the little Tex Facebook page and write your memories, why you love it and why you think it should stay open
2. Donate to re-open Little Tex
3. If anyone knows a private financer or guardian angel willing to take a chance on a hard working family - their mortgage is up July 23 2020. They have quite good equity yet, are unable to access it.
4. If any one is looking to pick up herbs, Tracy has an extensive herb garden. If they lose their home, several plants will need relocation. She has many special old herbs and so much to share and could really benefit in return with small donations. You copy and paste this link to reach Tracy https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100014956292574
5. Ultimately if anyone knows of a dual family dwelling or farm for rent and or is looking for caretakers requiring, maintenance, renovation, hospitality, or tenancy management, please contact them. Shamis is a real handyman
6. For potential investment or purchase option, also contact Tracy and Shamis. It is an amazing little gem and with proper financing it could go far. Contact them through their Little Tex facebook page https://www.facebook.com/littletexvernon/
The only thing this family needs is to stay together and continue to build their life and future together.
Little Tex was their purpose. They miss their customers and ability to provide a worthy service the community.
Valley First credit union needs to know the Burrells have an income, or they will foreclose even during a Covid pandemic because this family was financially suffering before Covid.
If you knew the Burrells you would know how hard they work, how much they care and how dedicated and willing to sacrifice they are just to stay together and have purpose. If Little Tex is unable to re-open it will truly be a loss for the community. I know my family and many others will miss the friendly atmosphere and great food.
Like many people, Tracy and Shamis Burrell had a dream of owning their own restaurant. In the year 2018 they had the opportunity to buy a small local gem. Little Tex was established in 1995. It is a historical landmark of Vernon and serves one of a kind favorite dishes like the Sloppy Tex Burrito and they make the best soups in town!
As many know keeping a small locally owned restaurant thriving can be a difficult task, and in July 2018 a road closure severely affected their business. They have been recovering ever since. In the 2 years of owning Little Tex they made a modest living, and thanks to their loyal customers they stayed afloat. In February shortly before Covid affected all restaurants, business was gaining steady ground and Little Tex was bouncing back. The future looked promising.
Then Covid-19 created a new set of circumstances. Due to their ongoing struggle to recover losses since 2018, the financing they applied for to stay open was denied and previously planned financing options were put on hold. Tracy and Shamis decided to close the doors of Little Tex temporarily on March 15 th 2020 with the hope of reopening in July. The Burrells only income was the restaurant. After spending the past 3.5 months waiting for financing to reopen Little Tex, they have used up their last resources to keep afloat for themselves and their family.
On July 23 2020 their mortgage comes up for renewal and they will not qualify with no income and poor credit. It is a catch 22. Without the mortgage they will not qualify for a loan to reopen.
The restaurant sits empty.
Although the economy is restarting now, the impact Covid-19 is having on this family has left them in a position of not being able re-open Little Tex. Not only will the Burrells and their two teenage sons be losing their home, their daughters young family with a granddaughter living in the basement suite will be impacted. There is also a family with a baby on the way in their rental suite.
3 homes will suffer.
Is there light at the end of then tunnel for Little Tex?
No matter how stressful and scary the Burrells situation has gotten they have stood together as a strong, close family and have continued to stay positive. Let us work as a community to give this family a hand up and keep a beloved local business that is focused on making meals from scratch with fresh ingredients, alive. We are looking to raise
$25, 000 for the restaurants re opening costs, including advertisement, re- licencing, & staffing as well as a new oven, hot plate, and dishwasher.
Here are some ways you can help:
1. Go to the little Tex Facebook page and write your memories, why you love it and why you think it should stay open
2. Donate to re-open Little Tex
3. If anyone knows a private financer or guardian angel willing to take a chance on a hard working family - their mortgage is up July 23 2020. They have quite good equity yet, are unable to access it.
4. If any one is looking to pick up herbs, Tracy has an extensive herb garden. If they lose their home, several plants will need relocation. She has many special old herbs and so much to share and could really benefit in return with small donations. You copy and paste this link to reach Tracy https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100014956292574
5. Ultimately if anyone knows of a dual family dwelling or farm for rent and or is looking for caretakers requiring, maintenance, renovation, hospitality, or tenancy management, please contact them. Shamis is a real handyman
6. For potential investment or purchase option, also contact Tracy and Shamis. It is an amazing little gem and with proper financing it could go far. Contact them through their Little Tex facebook page https://www.facebook.com/littletexvernon/
The only thing this family needs is to stay together and continue to build their life and future together.
Little Tex was their purpose. They miss their customers and ability to provide a worthy service the community.
Valley First credit union needs to know the Burrells have an income, or they will foreclose even during a Covid pandemic because this family was financially suffering before Covid.
If you knew the Burrells you would know how hard they work, how much they care and how dedicated and willing to sacrifice they are just to stay together and have purpose. If Little Tex is unable to re-open it will truly be a loss for the community. I know my family and many others will miss the friendly atmosphere and great food.
Organizer and beneficiary
Michelle Stewart
Organizer
Vernon, BC
Tracy Burrell
Beneficiary
