Stand with Artis: Aid for Brandi and Brittany

7/15/2025 update: As a result of the events of July 2nd, Artis recently announced the permanent closure of their Chicago Avenue location. We are devastated to have lost this space that had already started to be such a beacon for our community. Now we must be even more focused on contributing toward the rebuilding of another future for Chef Brandi and Dr. Brittany Artis. Please continue to share this GoFundMe widely.

Small, Queer, Black-owned, Brown-owned businesses deserve prominent spaces in Chicago and we can all do our part toward helping that happen.

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On July 2nd, tragedy struck our community at Artis Restaurant & Lounge, owned and operated by wives Chef Brandi and Dr. Brittany Artis. Following a record release party of a local Chicago rapper, as patrons exited the restaurant, shots were fired into the crowd by a drive-by vehicle. Four were killed, and eighteen injured in total. We grieve and mourn the lives lost and pray for the families devastated by these events. The Artises are cooperating fully with authorities at this time.

While police continue their investigation, the restaurant remains closed. However, the cost of operating a family owned business does not stop during this closure. The owners of Artis are now faced not only with the unimaginable weight of processing and grieving this trauma, but also the financial pressures of continued rent, light, and other business expenses. Additionally, there are costs for food waste at the restaurant, attorney fees for defending their business license, and taking care of their staff, not to mention their own personal expenses or providing for their two children. For the Artises to return to restaurant operations - they are going to need significant financial help.

The hardship that the Artises are facing in the wake of this terrible tragedy is a burden we can choose to share. Brandi and Brittany are always available to their community -- now it is time for us to be there for them. Artis's mission has always been to provide a safe space for Black & Brown Queer Folx and their allies, to come for a delicious meal and to be seen and celebrated! In a neighborhood in Chicago that is predominantly white, Artis stands out as an oasis for a community that is largely overlooked. Artis was already doing fantastic work - partnering with local LGBTQ+ community centers and hosting events which truly celebrated the Black Queer experience. At a time when marginalized communities continue to be stifled and silenced, Artis built themselves a table and pulled out the chairs - ready to serve up inclusivity and authenticity in the most delicious way possible! Now it's out turn to show love and appreciation for the owners and this space and ensure that even through hardships - we stand for each other with Love.

Please donate and share today - any amount is greatly appreciated! Thank you!