Help Helfeld's Deli Get Across the Finish Line

Hi, my name is Emily Helfeld and I am writing on behalf of my family, and our small business venture. We are opening a traditional Jewish Delicatessen in Wicker Park, that we hope will become a true part of the community. We will be bringing you traditional, homemade, Jewish staples; hand-cut lox & bagels, the best chicken matzoh ball soup you've ever tasted, homemade knishes and noodle kugel, a full line of homemade assorted desserts using family recipes, and let's not forget about all those mouthwatering sandwiches! My father learned the trade from his father, who after surviving the Holocaust as a child moved to Chicago and opened a Jewish Deli on the Northside of the city. We are following the tradition he started, and opening Hefleld's Deli in his name in honor of him.

 

We are so close to being open we can taste it. However, the pandemic has added another layer of challenges that we didn't see coming. It has been difficult to source some equipment and tradesmen, in addition, the costs associated with opening this business have come to at least 30% over our initial budget. After applying for our business license in July, we have finally heard back from the city, and we need to complete more plumbing work on the space, after having already invested several thousand dollars at this point. We also found out that we need to update every electrical outlet in the space, among other very costly modifications. Because our space was initially a shoe store, there are many expensive conversions we have to make to the space in order for it to be brought up to code as a food service establishment.

 

My family and I have been blown away by the support we have received from the community in these last months before we have even opened. Your contribution will help us get this work done as quickly and efficiently as possible so that we can finally open and start meeting you all in person! We thank you all from the bottom of our hearts for any and all donations to our small family business.

Thank you again for your support, we can't wait to crack open a bottle of champagne with you on our opening day!

 

b'shalom,

 

The Helfeld's

*no raffles, sweepstakes, giveaways, or returns on investment are offered in exchange for any donations made to your GoFundMe.