Fundraisers For Out-of-Work Hospitality Workers in Jersey City

Updated June 14: Added Freetown Road Project.

The food industry has been decimated by the COVID-19 pandemic. While many local restaurants are open for takeout and delivery — many are being forced to close. This post is a roundup of fundraisers to help support restaurant staff affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

We’re currently listing fundraisers that are connected to/verified by restaurant owners (or small business owners). Please leave links in comments, DM us on IG, or e-mail us if you know of any fundraisers we’re missing. In addition, Ward E Councilperson James Solomon and his team have created a Google doc with ways you can donate/volunteer/help organizations in Jersey City.

Freetown Road Project: Chef, owner, and Jersey City native Claude Lewis states that his new restaurant — Freetown Road Project — has been denied all loans and grants because they’re a recently opened restaurant. As a result, they’re falling short on funds needed to prep the restaurant for their reopening, which is slated for Friday, June 19. (Details)

White Eagle Hall: The music venue has launched a GoFundMe to benefit the production crew, loaders, gate staff, bartenders, and other hourly workers. In exchange for donations, WEH is offering perks and merch that ranges from drink tickets to VIP seating for future shows. (Details)

Mision Burrito: The family-run restaurant is seeking help paying the restaurant’s rent bills. They’re created a GoFundMe page for donations. (Details)

Archer Bar / Lo-Fi: GoFundMe for staff at both locations. (Details)

Green Pear Heights: The restaurant is organizing a GoFundMe to help feed the police officers of the North District (Central Avenue). Specifically, those working the 11pm shift (since all food spots are closed at that hour). You can donate any amount, but if you donate $200 or more you can choose which Heights restaurant you’d like to prepare the food for the North District. (Details)

All About JC Heights: Four JC residents have banded together to raise funds to purchase food and necessities for those on the front lines. Items will be purchased from local places in the Heights to also help those who are struggling. (Details)

Cellar 335: The downtown tiki bar/restaurant has started a delivery service of spirits, beer and wine with 100% of proceeds benefiting the staff of Cellar335. Call (973) 255-9682 for your order anytime between the hours of 11am and 3pm. Or you can also place an order via email anytime at tikipete@cellar335.com. Orders of $50+ get cool freebies like a tiki mug. Cellar 335 is now also offering a takeout food menu. All proceeds/sales will benefit the staff. (Website)

Fox & Crow: GoFundMe for tipped employees. (Details)

ChicpeaJC Fundraiser: Raising funds for hospital workers, homeless shelters, police department, and anyone in need of help. (Details)

Satis Bistro: GoFundMe for the staff. (Details)

Just Beclaws: GoFundMe for the staff. (Details)

Battello: GoFundMe for tipped employees. (Details)

Midnight Market: GoFundMe for the participants/food vendors of Midnight Market. (Details)

Barcade Jersey City: GoFundMe for the staff. (Details)

The Kitchen Step: GoFundMe for tipped employees. (Details)

Crepe Guru: GoFundMe for tipped employees. (Details)

Milk Sugar Love Bake Sale: The organic ice cream shop is teaming up with Greater Good Events and hosting a cookie bake sale. It’s quite simple: buy a Sea Salt Chocolate Chip Cookie (which can be purchased by the half dozen) through their website, and MSL will arrange for the cookies to be dropped off at the JC Medical Center when they’ve sold 500. By purchasing cookies — you’re not only giving a health care provider a snack/pick-me-up for their shift — you’re also helping keep the MSL staff employed. [The bake sale has ended]. (Details)

Harry’s Daughter: The restaurant had to let go of 90% of their staff. This GoFundMe will go directly to the employees. (Details)

O’Lala Empanadas: GoFundMe for employees. Plus, 10% of what is raised will go toward distributing immune boosting and antioxidant teas to the elderly in the community. Additionally, O’Lala is offering “Smart Tokens” which you can use to make a purchase online or in-person or donate them to charity. (Details)

Lokal JC: The waterfront restaurant is taking 25% off gift card purchases. Plus, a portion will go towards hourly employees. (Details)

Cafe Madelaine: GoFundMe for all staff. (Details)

Manny’s District: GoFundMe for tipped employees. (Details)

Frankie: GoFundMe for tipped employees. (Details)

Greene Hook: GoFund me for bartenders/servers. (The restaurant itself is not associated with this fundraiser). (Details)

Lighthorse Tavern: GoFund me for employees. (Details)

BarksTown: GoFundMe for staff. (Details)

Tails on Trails: GoFundMe for the staff and dog walkers. (Details)

Porta Jersey City: GoFundMe for employees. (Details)

South House: GoFundMe for tipped employees. (Details)

Left Bank Burger Bar: On Friday (March 20) from 10am till 4pm, Left Bank will host an Employee Relief Sale. The burger shop will sell gift cards and packaged beer and wine for pickup or delivery. (This event has ended). (Details)

The Hutton: GoFundMe for employees. (Details)

Brightside Tavern: GoFundMe for staff bartenders. (Details)

Mathews: GoFundMe for tipped employees. (Details)

White Star Warren: GoFundMe for employees. (Details)

White Star Brunswick: GoFundMe for employees. (Details)

Corkscrew Bar: GoFundMe for employees. (Details)

Gringos: GoFundMe for tipped employees. (Details)

Other ways to help

Another way to support your favorite restaurants is by purchasing merch or gift cards directly from their website. This way restaurants get cash upfront and you’ll have a nice meal waiting for you when they reopen.