Rintaro Needs Our Help!

Dear friends, Rintaro fans and community members,

I am reaching out to you today with a heavy heart, as our beloved Izakaya Rintaro has suffered a devastating flood on New Year's Eve. As some of you may know, Rintaro is led by the talented Sylvan Mishima Brackett, who has dedicated his life to preparing the most transportive and delicious food for all of us to enjoy. On New Year's Eve, Rintaro was preparing their traditional Osechi Bento Boxes, a luxurious way for customers to ring in the new year. Tragically, the restaurant was overwhelmed by a flood caused by the backup in the sewer and storm drain lines, combined with extremely heavy rain. By the time the water receded, Rintaro had sustained severe damage both inside and out estimated to be at least $150,000.

Not only was the physical damage devastating, but the emotional and financial toll on Rintaro's close-knit team has been immeasurable. The restaurant had prepared over 100 Osechi Bento orders, at a cost of $550 each, totaling over $50,000 that they were depending on to close out the year. Tragically, the flood destroyed the nearly finished orders, and Sylvan and Rintaro, being the kind and generous people they are, refunded all of the orders to their customers. This loss, on top of the food spoilage, equipment damage, patio damage, and overall property damage has left Rintaro in dire need of financial assistance.

Unfortunately, the insurance company may not cover the damages, citing the flood as an "act of god" rather than the result of the known issue with the sewer and storm drain system in San Francisco. The city had put a plan in place in 2016 to address this issue, but has yet to start the necessary work. If you know anyone in City Hall, Mayor Breed or Senator Scott Weiner's office, please advocate for the help that Rintaro and other businesses in the area desperately need.

We are reaching out to you today to ask for your help in supporting Rintaro during this difficult time. The funds raised on this gofundme campaign will go directly to Rintaro, and will be used to repair the restaurant, cover lost wages, and replace spoiled inventory and furniture. Your contribution will help support an incredible team who needs our help now more than ever. The pandemic has been devastating for restaurants, and Rintaro needs all of our support to get through this and have a Happy New Year.

I want to thank you in advance for your support of this incredible team and place. Rintaro is more than just a restaurant, it's a community, and I know that together, we can help them rebuild and recover.

Sincerely,

Will Meeker, a big fan and friend of Rintaro