Her Beloved Family Restaurant Was Forced To Close During The Pandemic And Now She’s Fighting To Re-Open The Doors After A Series Of Setbacks
Chicago, Illinois. Lyndsey Kincaid has organized a GoFundMe for the 5 Loves Eatery– her beloved family-owned restaurant in Chicago that was forced to close its doors due to the pandemic.
“5 Loaves Eatery, a quaint community restaurant nestled in the heart and soul of the Chatham Community, has been a part of the tapestry of the South Side of Chicago for nearly eighteen years,” Lyndsey wrote.
The eatery was initially founded “on the idea of providing a safe and welcoming space for people to break bread while discussing and planning change within its community.”
The restaurant quickly became a staple in the community through its genuine mission and countless give-back efforts.
But, the eatery has weathered many challenges both pre-COVID and during the pandemic. Despite the obstacles, Lyndsey said that “5 Loaves’ love for its community fueled its perseverance.”
That was until the restaurant’s most recent challenge, though, when the City of Chicago shut it down due to outstanding debts.
The restaurant’s funds had been reallocated for other operational costs, including staffing the restaurant, inventory, and food costs, so the debts were not taken care of.
Lyndsey described how restaurants had to jump through hoops in order to stay afloat during the pandemic. Her family restaurant continued to readjust in hopes of keeping its doors open.
Facebook; pictured above is Lyndsey
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“While many haven’t understood what that looks like behind the scenes, it has included the very tough decision to shut down our dining room while basically handing over our business model to delivery platforms that cut out thirty to forty percent of sales,” Lyndsey said.
The restaurant’s pivot created a cascading effect– 5 Loaves Eatery would eventually have to cancel lunchtime due to staff and product shortages. Cutting out lunch caused even more lost profits and a dramatic increase in stress.
“All the while, 5 Loaves was being denied financing from the very bank it had been with since day one,” Lyndsey added, “As for other funding, 5 Loaves received just enough each time it applied for grants and loans to keep it afloat for a few more weeks.”
So many restaurants, just like the 5 Loaves Eatery, have endured these terrible circumstances. The restaurant has now been closed for three months, yet the city is still expecting its debt payments.
“Please donate towards the 5 Loaves Eatery’s return of being bigger and better! We love our community, and this will be the biggest miracle to date. These funds will be used to lift the debt and for its reopening costs,” Lyndsey asked of the community.
The GoFundMe has a goal of eighty-five thousand dollars. So far, the community has raised just over six thousand to support the eatery’s reopening.
“I love you guys. You have the best customer service and delicious food every time. See you soon,” wrote Clintina Sanders, who donated twenty dollars.
“So much love for you and your family! Looking forward to 5 Loaves reopening,” wrote Alison M., who donated two hundred dollars.
Lyndsey and the 5 Loaves Eatery family appreciates any support that the community can provide.
“Our community is not only missing our food, but they are missing our love, purpose, and passion for what we do,” Lyndsey said, “We know that we are nothing without our guests, and appreciate any donations or prayers greatly.”
If you would like to donate to the 5 Loaves Eatery or even spread the word about their fundraiser, please visit the GoFundMe link here.
More About:Human Interest
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