Chi Yatai Injury-Caused Closure Rent Fundraiser

 

 

 

 

Dear Chi Yatai Fam,

 

To quote a well-known R&B song, it's so hard to say goodbye. Many of you know that Chi Yatai opened right before the pandemic, but my partner and I have been trying our best to keep it open ever since. I hope each one of you has experienced the care and love through our food and customer service the last several months. So often, through your support and love, you have encouraged us, and you have all been what has motivated us to battle through the many hardships we've had to endure. In the face of difficulties, I hope Chi Yatai has made you proud by becoming the highest-rated, #1 restaurant in Chicago on both Google and Yelp (with a minimum of 150 combined reviews). This is truly a testament to having such caring customers and the loyalty of the amazing Chi Yatai Fam.

 

As you know, on August 11, 2021, my business partner decided to step away from the operation of Chi Yatai. I was devastated, but I did not want to give up, so I thought about resuming all restaurant operations all by myself to continue my restaurant dream. However, just five days later, on August 16, 2021, I had a catastrophic and accidental fall on some brick paver steps at a home. I was on the top step when the bricks underneath me suddenly gave way and collapsed beneath me. I tumbled from the top step down to the bottom step and sidewalk level. After the dust settled, I had sustained a concussion, bruised ribs, lacerated gums, badly sprained left wrist, moderately sprained right wrist, bruised pinky, very deep left thigh bone bruise, bruised right thigh, and bruised left ankle. I was in so much pain that first night that I couldn't really sleep. The story gets worse though. On September 29, 2021, as I was recovering from all the previously mentioned injuries, I was at a Jewel-Osco getting flowers and fruit for a widow when a sharp piece of wood pierced the bottom of my right shoe and punctured my big toe. A week later, I underwent surgery to remove any remaining shards and pieces of wood from my toe. The foot doctor said it would take 3-4 weeks to recover, but it ended up taking 10 weeks to fully heal. I do not have health insurance, and, to make matters worse, I have only received a paycheck 2 months during the last 26 months (similar for my business partner). To say it has been a difficult struggle financially for us the last 2+ years is a huge understatement. Both Mier and I sacrificed to ensure that our employees were paid and to meet our monthly business financial obligations including rent, utilities, food suppliers, insurance, etc. Another big setback for us was that we were initially approved for a $36,000 Restaurant Revitalization Grant through the SBA back in May of 2021; however, two weeks after we received the good news, three lawsuits prevented Chi Yatai from receiving those much needed funds (see photo above). We were disheartened and disappointed, but we still pressed on.

 

During the last (7) months, while I've recovered from my multiple injuries and physically unable to open Chi Yatai, I have still had to pay all the fees and rent, which is the highest monthly rent amount of any restaurant in the food court. Additionally, the association has almost doubled my monthly HOA fees while I was injured and Chi Yatai was closed. The $50,000 I'm trying to raise is the money I've had to pay to my landlord and the money I've lost financially while I've recovered from my physical injuries the last several months and physically unable to open Chi Yatai.

 

In closing, I have made the extremely difficult decision of giving up my restaurant dream due to the financial losses I've suffered due to COVID, the physical injuries I've sustained, the difficulties of running a restaurant by myself, the supply chain issues, the higher food costs, etc. Eventually, I had to make the decision to sell. Please support the next business owner who is set to replace the Chi Yatai space once the selling process is finalized. Your kindness and compassion will encourage me greatly as I still want to show kindness and generosity to Chi Yatai's beloved customers before Chi Yatai closes for good. Who knows? Maybe if I am able to raise enough money, I may be able to reopen Chi Yatai in a different location and resume my restaurant dreams. For now, I just want to THANK YOU SO MUCH for your help in advance, Happy Chinese Lunar New Year, everyone, and stay healthy and warm!

 

I've included the last photo I saw in Chicago that simply reads: HOPE. How symbolic and appropriate as we celebrate the New Year. May we each look ahead to new opportunities and a new season with HOPE. With God, there is always HOPE, but whatever life brings in 2022 and beyond, may we all be resolute and determined to live each day with kindness, compassion, love, and HOPE.

 

With Gratitude and Love,

 

John

Owner/Founder, Chi Yatai