Restaurant fundraising campaigns to help compensate laid-off employees

During this unprecedented time in modern history facing a novel coronavirus, many people are wondering what they can do to help restaurants and laid-off staff.

While gift card purchases, takeout and delivery are options, a handful of establishments have launched campaigns to address their large numbers of employees that have been laid off.

Below are some of the campaigns we are aware of at the time of this writing. If you know of any others, please send them our way in a comment below and we’ll get them added.

Direct Assistance

These are ways to provide direct assistance to employees via the many mobile payments apps, such as Venmo, Cash App, and others.

Tucson Industry Coronavirus Spreadsheet

This Google Doc, started by local bartender Kyle Blessinger contains over 60 names along with preferred methods of sending cash.

View Tucson Industry Coronavirus Spreadsheet 

Shared Campaigns

These campaigns are seeking funds for medium to large groups of employees.

Additional Support for Coronet & Fonda Employees

The Coronet is aiming to raise $15,000 as a buffer for their laid-off employees loss of income.

View Additional Support for Coronet & Fonda Employees info

COVID-19 Relief Fund

This campaign seeks to raise $60,000 for employees of Nook, Borderland Brewing Co., and Gentle Ben’s Brewing Co.
View COVID-19 Relief Fund campaign

Bartender Emergency Assistance Program (BEAP)

Organized by the United States Bartenders Guild, this campaign seeks to raise funds for bartenders and their spouses. Membership in the USBg is not required.

View BEAP campaign info

Fund for support for Exo & El Crisol employees

A 30% staff reduction prompted Exo Roast / El Crisol to seek $10,000 for laid-off employees.

View Exo / El Crisol campaign

Hotel Congress Staff Emergency Fund

This campaign seeks to raise $50,000 for over a hundred laid off hourly employees of Hotel Congress, Cup Cafe, Club Congress, and Maynards Market & Kitchen.

View Hotel Congress Staff Emergency Fund Info

Support for former employees of Monsoon Chocolate

Monsoon Chocolate is seeking to raise $9,000 for 9 laid-off team members.

View Monsoon Chocolate campaign

Support Fund for Presta Coffee Employees

Presta Coffee hopes to raise $12,000 to cover two weeks of payroll for their staff, which is “a drop in the bucket compared to what they normally take home.”

View Support Fund for Presta Coffee Employees info

Support for Ermanos and Portal employees

Ermanos Craft Beer & Wine Bar, who just weeks ago opened Portal, a new cocktail bar in back of the restaurant, decided takeout and delivery was not feasible for their small kitchen and closed entirely for the time being. They’re currently trying to raise $30,000 for their employees.

View Support for Ermanos and Portal employees info

Tap & Bottle Bartender Tip Pool

No specific amount to be raised. This allows visitors to the page to donate $2.00 tips to staff at either T&B location. The amount is split amongst all bar staff.

View Bartender Tip Pool info