Aid for Abilene Staff (COVID-19 related)

3/28 Update **Looking for cleaning/odd job gigs if you know of any**
Hello again, wonderful humans! We just wanted to let you know that your donations have been a big help. The staff split all donations equally, but many of us have given their share to staff with higher needs, such as those still completely out of work. Ownership is assisting them as well, but they are also very eager for gigs, so if any of you have any cleaning needs or odd jobs, do let us know. All safety and sanitary practices would of course be observed. Email us at [email redacted] and we will pass along info you have to those looking. Thank you all again for your support.

3/24 Update: *Online Odering Now Available* *Online Gift Cards Available*

Hello again! Thank you endlessly for all of your support. It is still very necessary and going a LONG WAY. We are still attempting to remain open for to-go orders (online ordering now available, see below), however half of the staff is still out of work, as those with kids must remain home, some of us have pre-existing conditions and can't risk exposure, and others have had to return to their hometowns to save on rent or care for family. We are all so grateful for everything you've given, for your kind words, and for sharing this fundraiser. We do have some great news! You can now order food and booze to go via our new online ordering platform here: https://www.toasttab.com/abilene-442-court-st/

You can also purchase a gift card online: https://www.toasttab.com/abilene-442-court-st/giftcards

Thank you for a zillionth time for everything. Stay safe and healthy!

Update 3/20:

Hi everyone! It's been amazing to see all the familiar names of you wonderful donors. We have some good news. We are OPEN for take out, INCLUDING booze (Other Half on tap, what?!). Call us ahead at [phone redacted] or stop by our take out window an place an order. Our current hours at 11:30am-9pm. All that said, we have drastically reduced on shift staff (1 cook on shift as opposed to 2, e.g.) and are splitting up shifts so your support is still going a long way for those currently underemployed. Ownership is working very hard to take care of everyone but the future remains uncertain (for everyone, obviously). We aim to give everyone a chance to work (hence the split shifts) and are getting creative in how to do that. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. We are so lucky to be a part of this true community.

Original post:
Abilene has been a Carroll Gardens neighborhood bar since 2006. Regulars frequently refer to us as the local "Cheers," and the line between patron and staff has been warmly blurred as we've seen each other through good times and bad, cared for each other's pets and children, and offered a comforting ear (and stiff drink) when needed.

Because of COVID-19, NYC has shut down bars and restaurants. Abilene is looking into options for selling food and alcohol to go, but until then, the entire Abilene staff is out of work until further notice*. Abilene intends to come out of this crisis on the other side and have all staff return to work, but as Abilene is a small business, it is limited in its ability to mitigate the staff's economic losses. While some can claim unemployment, there are a number of staff who cannot. Those that can will receive a fraction of what they would normally receive via tips and other compensation.

Donations will be split equally among staff members. We greatly appreciate anything you can give, even if it's just the gift of sharing this fundraiser. We look forward to serving you a cold one and a Crispy Chicken Sandwich very soon. Stay healthy.

Thanks and cheers,
Your friends at Abilene Bar

*Please see update below. <3