Restaurant's manager embezzles $300k. They still cater event

**Help Verde Cocina Recover from a Devastating Betrayal**

As a proud member of the small business community in Oregon and SW Washington, I’m heartbroken to share the story of an unimaginable betrayal — one that’s shaken a family-run local favorite to its core.

The Garnica family, owners of Verde Cocina, one of Portland’s most beloved organic, locally sourced restaurants and caterers, have been an essential part of our community for over 16 years. As a wedding venue, we've worked with Verde Cocina for a decade and have seen firsthand the love, integrity, and excellence they bring to every event and every meal.

But now — they need us.

What Happened

On September 19th, the Garnicas discovered that a trusted longtime manager had been embezzling funds and committing wire fraud by siphoning off payments meant for the restaurant by linking his own bank account to Verde Cocina’s Square processing system and issuing fake invoices using their logo.

The current estimated loss is nearly $300,000 and that figure only covers what’s been uncovered over the past eight months.

This comes on the heels of another major setback: a fire in 2019 that destroyed their largest location and catering kitchen. The family never asked for help — they rolled up their sleeves and rebuilt on their own. Last year, they were close to reopening… but the money was gone, and they didn’t yet know why.

Now, we do. The PPB has made an arrest and the district attorney is building a case as this is a class B felony and has affected well over a hundred transaction.

Despite Everything, They're Still Showing Up

Even now, Verde Cocina continues to honor catering commitments, delivering food for weddings and events even though they themselves haven’t received the payments, That’s the kind of people they are.

This family is not asking for a handout. In fact, they’re not the ones who started this fundraiser, we are. Because we’ve seen what they do for their staff, customers, and community. Because they would never stop showing up for us — and now it’s our turn to show up for them.

Why This Matters

Verde Cocina employs dozens of people, including multiple generations of families. Their team is like a second home for many and turnover is almost nonexistent.

Here’s what one employee, Elana, shared:

“In 2019, I lost my father suddenly. The Garnicas were heartbroken for me — they wrote me a check to cover my rent and told me to take as much time as I needed. They’ve done the same for countless others. They drain their bank account to help employees, and that’s what makes this betrayal so devastating.”

This isn't just a financial crisis, it's an emotional one. A violation of trust by someone they treated like family.

How You Can Help

Your donation will help:

* Cover the financial loss from the fraud

* Support staff salaries and operations

* Finally reopen their flagship restaurant and catering kitchen

* Ensure they can continue to serve the community with the heart and excellence they’re known for

Every dollar helps. Every share helps. Let’s rally around this incredible family and business just like they’ve always rallied around us.

Thank you for supporting Verde Cocina and the Garnica family.

PPB Case # 25-259330

If you have any questions or information, please contact the non emergency number. [phone redacted]