Akiko's Restaurant - Staff Relief Fundraiser

Dear friends and family,

It’s a challenging time for the F&B industry.  With each day that we are closed, cash flow is running low and it’s gut-wrenching that I can’t provide hours to pay my staff.

I typically try to get creative and find solutions on my own, but I am asking for your help to support my hard working team.  Through this fundraiser, 100% of donations will be distributed equally across my 30+ staff to alleviate their financial burdens during this difficult time.

To provide you with some context and transparency:

- Akiko’s has suspended all hourly/ salary payroll until local/ state governments deem it no longer necessary to shelter in place

- Staff can apply for UI benefits, however it is not enough to survive in San Francisco

- Our only stream of revenue at this time is via e-gift card sales to cover a fraction of business expenses still coming in (i.e., Akiko’s rent, insurance, outstanding invoices to vendors, etc.) and staff can not be paid from these e-gift card sales.

Whether it’s behind the scenes or customer facing, each of my employees plays an integral role in entertaining our guests, and hopefully we’ve left you with a lasting impression... perhaps we’ve been part of a special celebratory meal, or you experienced a bite that you’ll remember for a lifetime!  I plan to open re-energized with some new dishes, and hopefully, with the same team of all-stars.

I understand it’s a difficult time for everyone in the community and globally, but thank you in advance for any amount of love you can send to my team.  Even if your contribution is sharing this link, know that I appreciate you.  Your generosity will enable critical members of my team take care of themselves and their families.

So, here’s to the early-bird prep cooks who rise and grind, the dishwashers who are last to leave each evening, the hostesses that warmly welcome you into our house, the chefs who work their magic both in the kitchen/ behind the sushi bar, the food runners/ bussers who move like ninjas, and the servers who help navigate your dining experience — they are the backbone of Akiko’s and can’t wait to have you share part of your day with them.

Thank you, be well, and stay safe.

With gratitude,
Ray Lee