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Hello everyone,

My name is Richard Lupio, and I have a dream: to bring the finest Texas barbecue to the Bay Area. Barbecue isn't just food for me; it's a way of life, a passion ignited by my Texan grandfather and nurtured through years of dedication and hard work.

After years of working tirelessly in various jobs, including construction and night shifts as a custodian, I discovered my true calling in barbecue. It started with cooking for my coworkers, who praised my ribs and brisket, and eventually led to selling my creations at local farmers' markets. I invested every ounce of effort into perfecting the craft, always striving to give my customers the best experience possible.

However, my journey took an unexpected turn when I moved my family to Oakland, California, right before the global pandemic. I partnered with a well-known celebrity chef and friend, helping him transition from cooking in his garage to starting a brick-and-mortar establishment. Unfortunately, this friendship ended in us parting ways, leaving me without a job and without the savings needed to start my own business.

The financial and emotional toll on my family has been immense. Living in the Bay Area is costly, and the struggle to save for a business while managing everyday expenses has been unimaginably tough. Despite these challenges, my passion for barbecue has not wavered.

Today, I am reaching out for your help to raise $100,000 to start my own small business. The funds will be used to purchase essential barbecue equipment, including a Texas pit smoker, a vehicle to pull it, a food trailer, and other necessary catering supplies. With your support, I aim to bring authentic Texas barbecue to the Bay Area, serving delicious meals to our community and making my dream a reality.

My dedication to barbecue was recently recognized in an article by the San Francisco Chronicle. I encourage you to read it to understand my journey and the passion that drives me. Your contribution will not only help us start this business but also allow me to work alongside my sons, instilling in them the same values of hard work and dedication.

Every donation, no matter the size, brings us one step closer to our goal. Your support means the world to me and my family, and it will enable us to share the best possible barbecue with the Bay Area. You can reach out to me if you have any questions or would like more information about our plans.

Thank you for believing in us and helping us turn this dream into reality.

Sincerely,

Richard