Save Lexington's OV- Old Vine Bistro!

OV- Old Vine Bistro needs Lexington’s help ASAP! The owner of the bistro, Larry Dean, has been a fixture of the Lexington dining scene for decades.  He strives to maintain a unique and personable atmosphere and serve the best quality products while incorporating as many local products as possible.  When the COVID-19 pandemic hit and restaurants were shut down, Larry used PPP money to continue to keep his employees paid so that they would not have to suffer like so many did with having unemployment delayed for sometimes months.  Larry took money from his own pocket to pay for food for his employees during the closure.  Larry spent thousands on PPE, professional sanitizing equipment, and more to protect the customers that have come through the doors.  The entire team of people working with Larry have put in thousands of man hours to improve the restaurant and keep it operating safely, many times at their own expense because we all believe if we can push through the end of this pandemic that we can thrive.  The problem is getting through it.  The bistro has gained a following since being allowed to reopen, but with fears of the virus along with being set so far behind by restrictions already, the bistro is unable to pay its rent this month. 
 
Every restaurant is struggling right now, and many landlords have been gracious and able to give substantial breaks in rent to help.  Unfortunately the landlord for the bistro has been unable to reduce or defer rent at all and we received a 5-day eviction notice.  We realize that not receiving the full rental income can present a significant hardship to a well-established Lexington landlord who owns more than 25 properties in Lexington with assessed values totaling more than $7.3million.  There are significant obligations that come with owning so much, and we wish we could have paid this month so as not to have this small, local restaurant create such a financial hardship for him. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case.  So we’re asking for your help! Come see us, grab lunch or dinner, grab a drink at happy hour, buy a gift card, or if you are able to help a struggling restaurant make it through until there is government relief and/or an end to this pandemic, donate to this campaign.  The employees are so grateful for anything anyone can offer.  The team of friends helping Larry through this crisis will be eternally grateful, and most of all, Larry really needs the community that he’s been a member of for so long to rally around him and offer a hand up- not a hand out.  We are trying to raise money for the rent this month and next month so that holiday sales can carry us through the coming slow months.  Thank you for considering helping our neighborhood bistro remain open and employing Lexington citizens for years to come!