Canopy for Blue 44

During the pandemic, thousands of businesses have closed or struggled to stay in business. With the support of the community, some DC grants & SBA loans, Blue 44 and some other neighborhood businesses have been able to survive up to this point. However, with the soaring cost of food, labor and rent the challenge to stay open remains a major concern for many of these businesses.

After a recent conversation with owner/operator, Chris Nardelli, we learned the restaurant was banking on receiving a Restaurant Revitalization Fund grant from the SBA back in June of this year. The first thing Blue 44 had planned on doing with these funds was to build a covered patio structure to allow for a more comfortable dining experience for customers, especially during the pandemic. However, Chris, along with thousands of other small business owners received an email stating the grant funds had been exhausted. Blue 44 still has plans to move forward with the project, however, the cost now presents a much bigger hurdle than originally anticipated.

As long-time supporters and parents of former Blue 44 employees, we thought what better way to show our appreciation for the Blue 44 family by setting up this GoFundMe to give our community a chance to help raise funds for this project. From speaking more with Chris, the estimated cost of the project is north of $24,000 (including material, labor, permits, drawings, etc). No donation is too small and all donations are greatly appreciated. Chris & his partners have asked not to share this fundraiser on any social media platforms as they prefer any support to come directly from the community in which Blue 44 serves.

Thank you,

Johanna McDonough and Cindy Sherman