In 2016 top chef Jason Van Marter took up residence in the former Cheriton establishment Paul’s, renting the cafe counter space and creating the one of the most innovative, artistic, fresh and sustainable menus on the Eastern Shore, The Local.
Success is always a good thing, but the growth and popularity of The Local means it’s time to expand. Chef Jason is in need of several updates, and would like to expand The Local by serving beer and wine as well as opening up for dinner service.
To help the process, The Local has started a GoFundMe campaign which hopes to raise $50k for the renovations.
The Local is asking for assistance so that they can renovate the old kitchen space in the back of the building:
-Refinish existing walls
-Update Plumbing and Electric
-Repair hood exhaust and fire supression
-Add equipment to increase onsite services as well as catering
-Place a small aquaponics system to provide fresh produce all year long
They would also like to remodel the inside dining area to provide more efficient services:
-Add gas line and equipment to counter
-Build a separate bar area for beverage services
-Update lighting to provide a better ambiance experience
Then to provide more means for people to find The Local and assist the county in the drive to build upon tourism on the Shore:
-Add website with online store
-Create and print marketing materials such as rack cards to be placed at locations throughout the Shore
-Add signage on the highway to help drive people into Cheriton
They would also like to:
-Add to their catering profile and useful equipment to accommodate events
-Participate more in community events and help to grow them
-Assist the Town of Cheriton with their community events to help bring awareness to the town and revive a once flourishing community. #cheritonrevival
With renovation and expansion The Local will be able to offer more catering operations as well as work with the town and county to provide services and help expand charity events.
Link here to donate to the campaign: https://www.gofundme.com/building-the-local-for-the-locals
About the Author
The proprietor should obtain a commercial rate loan as other businesses do. It is ludicrous to think that a business would appeal to the public in this way; there is no compelling public benefit to this appeal.
If you can not afford to keep your business open, you need to close. Just my opinion.
Really… I mean really… is he seriously asking the public to fund his business? Get a loan Mr Millenial and put in the hours and sweat like everyone else who runs a small business.