Owner of Closed Restaurant Needs Help!

Hello, my name is Sirena Zimmerman. This is one of the hardest things I've ever had to do, but I have tried everything else possible and am at the end of my options.

I started a Tex-Mex concept mobile food and catering business with my family in New Braunfels, Texas in 2022. Business was going very well, and we had a solid customer base and following. Last year, we were given the opportunity to open a new restaurant in Seguin, Texas. The owner of the building encouraged us to pursue an upscale concept, saying that was something Seguin was lacking and thinking it would make us stand out. We agreed: there are already a lot of Mexican restaurants in town and we wanted to give the community something different. We spent months renovating the building and creating a unique concept and menu. We serve food made with love, trying to create an experience for all to enjoy.

Since we opened, the restaurant has been a hit: we have had so many people compliment the atmosphere, the food, and the service. People are so happy they don't have to go outside of Seguin to have a fancy dinner. But we just aren't drawing enough customers right now. We also cater but unfortunately we are in a low spot for those too. The last few years have been extremely hard on small businesses and restaurants. Going out to eat is a luxury, and even though our food is reasonably priced, people are pinching pennies right now anywhere they can.

I have poured everything into this business. My husband resigned from a comfortable career in public service and cashed in his pension to invest in this business because he believed in me and my crazy dream to own a restaurant. We reduced our hours and cut our staff to try and save where we can, but it just wasn't been enough.

We were unable to pay our rent and were evicted Tuesday, February 4th. I have used every penny we had to just pay bills and make payroll. Our truck recently got repossessed because we couldn't make the payments, and we don't even know how we are going to pay our rent for our home on the first.

Our rent for the building was $10,000 plus 2% of our profits. Our payroll was anywhere from $17,000 to $25,000 every 2 weeks. I have vendors and employees I still need to pay. We are selling equipment and looking for new employment so that we can pay all our debts. Any donations are much appreciated.