The Seward Cafe is one of the hundreds of local restaurants having to close our doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Just last week we were making preparations to host our community fundraising kickoff event, the first event of our six-month debt relief campaign. In light of the current situation and advice to “social distance” we are postponing all of our planned in-person fundraising events. Because of that, we are now humbly asking for the support of our community in a slightly different way than we had planned: GoFundMe.


Closing down is so necessary to protect the health of ourselves and our community and flatten the curve of contagion, however it is leaving us all without jobs. Unemployment benefits are not guaranteed, and oftentimes not enough to survive on. In addition to worker-owners losing wages during this time, the cafe is also losing revenue. For the past few months, with the colder weather and decreased daylight, we have been operating on a shoestring budget, in danger of overdrafting our bank account each week, trying to keep our heads above water long enough to make it to the busy season.

We will not financially survive being closed for upwards of two weeks without your help. 

Our goal of $25,000 will allow us to pay ourselves during this time, cover our standing monthly bills, and (eventually) order food so that we can replace our inventory when we do open up again. 

We have so much love for our community, and truly appreciate those who have already donated to our PayPal or bought gift cards this past week. Thank you for your support and kindness.

With love,

The Seward Cafe



#SmallBusinessRelief