By Susan Payne
Inflation in a world still impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic has challenged small businesses in more ways than one.
Since the Nov. 2021 opening of Detroit Vesey’s, a Los Angeles-area café that serves LGBTQ+ community and cyclists, owners Erin and Melanie Vesey said they have had “killer press, five-star customer reviews and well-attended events.”
Detroit Vesey’s was named one of the hottest restaurants in Los Angeles by Eater LA and one of the absolute best branch spots in the city. The restaurants’ popular drag shows have been named one of the best things to do in LA by LAist more than once.
Despite the love, unforeseen obstacles have forced the Vesey’s to make a tough decision regarding its survival and acquisition of its liquor license. To garner support for this decision, the Vesey’s made a GoFundMe fundraiser reaching out to the community for support.
“We are using [this GoFundMe] to move to a new, more sustainable location that has the license we need to serve you all delicious alcoholic beverages and to cover other business expenses. We have and will not stop to work tirelessly to bring in events and larger gigs to help for this substantial expense,” the Vesey’s said in the description.
In addition to the GoFundMe, the Vesey’s listed a number of ways restaurant and event goers can support their business.
- Donate or share the fundraiser.
- Eat at the restaurant and bring friends.
- Buy gift cards for friends, family or coworkers.
- Attend a brunch or another drag event.
- Put on an event at the restaurant or hire Detroit Vesey’s for catering.
- Become an investor in the space.
As of Aug. 25, $2,751 of 250,000 has been raised.
