Save the Macklind Avenue Deli

So, the parameters set forth by Jon Feraro state that the funds will go directly to trying to rebuild the deli which burned to the ground on the night of July 4th, 2018. He also states that the funds may be used to provide a cushion during this tough time. I believe most people don't really understand what being in business really takes, monetarily. Here's the breakdown.

We (Mackland Avenue Deli, LLC) we're simply renting that space, and did not own the building or property. Thus, it is not up to us to 'rebuild' necessarily. The offer was put out by the property owner to build a new building for us, but we were expected to outfit the interior. I don't know if you are familiar with the cost of restaurant equipment, much less a full restaurant build-out, but to build out our concept fully from scratch would be somewhere in the $175,000 - $225,000 range excluding inventory, and all other necessary utilities, operating costs, and labor associated with opening a new restaurant. 

Being a new business, we bought a 'starter' insurance policy that allowed us to get a business license in hopes that we would expand the coverage as time went on. We were in business for only 4 months before the fire. It left me, the only person whose entire livelihood depended on the deli, completely devastated and without income; not to mention the regular employees as well. 

So here I was, no income, and facing about $20k in invoices and utility bills, $5k in employee wages, $22k in investments that needed to be paid back, and $50k in destroyed equipment. 

We are still wading through the endless sea of insurance, and are definitely going to be taking a large financial hit. However, the GoFundMe has provided the 'cushion' stated in the campaign: we have paid all of our employees in full, most of our invoices, and a majority of our utilities with these funds. 

I have copies of police reports and fire reports if you want to see them, as it was a total loss. 

Please do not pass this email along. I will be writing a post on our social media about the GoFundMe funds, and direct any inquiries directly to myself. We have nothing to hide. 

Also, if there is a phone number I can reach you at, I would like to speak with you directly.  Or you may call me at 3146208488. I appreciate you all doing your due diligence. However, this entire process has been an extreme emotional, mental, and physical breakdown for me, and I don't wish this on any person. 

Casey Jovick
Owner
(Written in response to Gofundme Trust and Safety Team inquiries)