Last night, our hearts broke.

After more than a year of planning, building, and dreaming, Ignacio, Joe, and Daniel finally opened the doors to Osteria OTTO at 8th and Main this past December. For three wonderful months, we’ve had the privilege of serving this community and seeing our vision come to life.

Yesterday, that dream was put on an indefinite hold. A fire broke out in the unit above the restaurant, and while we are grateful everyone is safe, the water damage from the firefighting efforts has left the restaurant completely destroyed. The extent of the damage is significant, and while we are still assessing what is possible, it is becoming clear that returning to operations will be incredibly difficult.

Why We Are Raising Funds

While we begin the long, difficult process of working with insurance to see what can be salvaged, our immediate priority is not the walls or the kitchen, it is the people.

This situation is complex and challenging for everyone involved, and the impact goes far beyond the physical space. This fundraiser will help cover lost wages as well as unexpected expenses as we navigate this difficult time together.

Our staff are the heartbeat of Osteria OTTO. They are the ones who made the last three months so special, and they have suddenly found themselves without a workplace or a paycheck. We are launching this

GoFundMe specifically to cover:

• Lost Wages: Helping our team of 20 bridge the gap for shifts they can no longer work.

• Emergency Support: Providing a safety net for our staff as they are forced to unexpectedly transition and find new employment.

• Unexpected Costs: Assisting with the financial impact that comes with a sudden closure as we navigate insurance, recovery, and next steps.

How You Can Help

Ignacio and our entire team are devastated, but we are also deeply moved by the outpouring of love we have already received from the neighbourhood.

If you were planning to come try OTTO but never quite made it through our doors, or if you were a regular who became part of our family in these short few months, a donation of any size helps our staff immensely. Every dollar will go directly to our team to ensure they can pay their rent and buy groceries while we navigate this situation. If you cannot donate, please consider sharing this page with your network.

We do not yet know what the future holds for 8th and Main, but this chapter, as we knew it, has come to a sudden and heavy end. What remains certain is our commitment to taking care of our team first.

With gratitude,

Ignacio Arrieta, Joe Fazio, and Daniel Panduro