Help Susan Open a Food Truck

Hello! For those of you who know me, I’m Susan Shupp (formerly Susan German), but you can just call me Sue.

Over the last 15+years I have made my way from culinary school (Pennsylvania Culinary Institute, Class of 2003) into the kitchens of some of your most favorite bars and restaurants across St. Joseph County.

As you may know by now, over the last year and a half, the pandemic has shed a harsh spot light on the working conditions of everyone in the restaurant industry. From the constant open and closure of our restaurants—> to take out only—> and every stage in-between. During this time I continued to keep my store open *AND PROFITABLE* while other stores in our chain, saw record low sales.

I stayed dedicated to my staff and to my position as General Manager of our flagship store for months straight working 70+ hours a week on average.

For my contribution to the company, I was promised time off, better pay, and more staff. For over 3 years I worked hard every single day to make sure I was the best employee I could be.

During the past year I have also gone through a nasty divorce that left me nearly penniless; and with little more to my name than my dogs (who are my babies) and the clothes on my back.

Still, I pressed on. Showing up to work, keeping our numbers up, and making sure my job always came first.

As the months passed, the promise of more money, more staff, and better conditions grew bleak, to say the least. I started to question ownership about the situation I was in and kept pressing for them to make good on their word.

Instead of paying out for more staff and better wages, they FIRED ME…

I was shocked, hurt, and frustrated to say the least. I have never worked so hard for someone else’s dream, just to have my own cut short right before my eyes.

After some soul searching (and many long nights of researching), I decided I had two choices: Go to work for another company who could chew me up and spit me out again; or go to work for myself.

If I know one thing for sure it’s that I love the food industry and I have worked too hard to fail. But dreams cost money and that’s where you all come in!

I am asking you today to help fund MY DREAM of owning my own food truck! I have so much experience and dedication to bring to our local community, and I know if I can work 70+ hours a week for someone else- I can do it for myself too!

I am so grateful for the opportunity to share my story with you. If you are able to donate $1 or $100, I appreciate YOU. Together with your support, I hope to bring great food and culinary deliciousness to St Joseph County!!

Thank you,

Sue ☺️