Help Bittersweet
Donation protected
To say that this cafe has a small presence in Fort Greene would be an understatement.
Over ten years ago, Lucien and Gemma opened Bittersweet’s doors to Fort Greene. Our customers return time and again not simply for their morning cup but for the warmth and community that Lucien has cultivated and nurtured in his shop as a staple of Fort Greene. Never have I worked for people as kind and good-hearted as Lucien and Gemma Redwood. In a city where people are constantly hustling for themselves, these two have always empathized and taken care of their employees. You’ll notice that the staff seldom changes at Bittersweet and this is why. Many of us have been working there 3+ years. These two are a novelty to work for in NY - many of us pursue artistic professions outside of the cafe and are given the freedom and flexibility to do so without any difficulty, but rather encouragement. We have become a family and it’s hard to face the possibility that we may be disbanded.
All of this is to say that we want to give back to them. Lucien and Gemma have been beyond generous to us all for years. In these very uncertain times, Bittersweet faces a very real possibility of having to close its doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic. With new ordinances being issued by the government every day, we are never sure when or if we will have to close our doors indefinitely. The outpouring of kindness and empathy that we as baristas have experienced from our customers over the past week has been overwhelming, and we ask that you continue to extend it to Lucien and Gemma should we have to close.
Anything that you can give is greatly appreciated. We would like to provide some sort of support to Lucien and Gemma and their children regardless of the fate of Bittersweet. All money earned will be used to support them during this time, ie mortgage, food.
Over ten years ago, Lucien and Gemma opened Bittersweet’s doors to Fort Greene. Our customers return time and again not simply for their morning cup but for the warmth and community that Lucien has cultivated and nurtured in his shop as a staple of Fort Greene. Never have I worked for people as kind and good-hearted as Lucien and Gemma Redwood. In a city where people are constantly hustling for themselves, these two have always empathized and taken care of their employees. You’ll notice that the staff seldom changes at Bittersweet and this is why. Many of us have been working there 3+ years. These two are a novelty to work for in NY - many of us pursue artistic professions outside of the cafe and are given the freedom and flexibility to do so without any difficulty, but rather encouragement. We have become a family and it’s hard to face the possibility that we may be disbanded.
All of this is to say that we want to give back to them. Lucien and Gemma have been beyond generous to us all for years. In these very uncertain times, Bittersweet faces a very real possibility of having to close its doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic. With new ordinances being issued by the government every day, we are never sure when or if we will have to close our doors indefinitely. The outpouring of kindness and empathy that we as baristas have experienced from our customers over the past week has been overwhelming, and we ask that you continue to extend it to Lucien and Gemma should we have to close.
Anything that you can give is greatly appreciated. We would like to provide some sort of support to Lucien and Gemma and their children regardless of the fate of Bittersweet. All money earned will be used to support them during this time, ie mortgage, food.
Organizer
Annie Young
Organizer
Brooklyn, NY