Stand with Natalie Ramos: Save Fleur de Cuisine

Help Save Fleur de Cuisine – A Business Built on Faith, Community, and Giving Back

Fleur de Cuisine Catering & Events, along with its sister restaurant, Marie de la Fleur, was founded by Natalie Ramos—a woman whose journey has been marked by resilience, faith, and a deep commitment to serving others. As a domestic violence survivor, she arrived in Virginia with no financial resources, no credit, and no clear path forward. However, her passion for cooking became a foundation upon which she built not only a thriving business but also a mission to uplift those around her.

A Commitment to Community

From the very beginning, Fleur de Cuisine was designed to be more than just a business—it was meant to be a force for good. Over the years, more than 30% of its profits have been donated to community organizations, including:

✔️ LAWS Domestic Violence Shelter

✔️ Loudoun Cares

✔️ Good Shepherd

✔️ A Place to Be

✔️ Local hospitals

Beyond financial contributions, the business has provided employment opportunities for individuals facing hardships—many of whom were transitioning out of shelters and in need of stability. Fleur de Cuisine has helped these individuals secure housing, transportation, and essentials, allowing them to rebuild their lives with dignity.

Natalie’s commitment to service extends beyond her employees. When Loudoun County was devastated by the Sugarland Run home explosion, she personally organized and donated her services for a 500-person fundraiser, raising $30,000 for the Loudoun First Responders Foundation. Time and time again, she has stepped up to help others—not because it was easy, but because it was the right thing to do.

The Challenges Ahead

Despite its success, Fleur de Cuisine is now facing unprecedented challenges. While the catering business remains strong, it has been forced to carry the financial burden of supporting the restaurant due to restrictive policies in the residential community where it is located. These limitations include:

❌ No outside advertising

❌ No serving customers beyond the immediate area

❌ Limited ability to grow or attract new business

These restrictions have placed a severe strain on the business, making it difficult to sustain operations. The profits from catering, which would typically be reinvested into growth and community support, are instead being used to offset the financial strain of the restaurant, making it impossible to maintain long-term stability.

Furthermore, ongoing legal disputes—including continuous defaults and frivolous legal claims—have resulted in more than $80,000 in legal expenses, draining resources that would otherwise support employees and operations.

The impact extends beyond the business itself. If Fleur de Cuisine cannot continue, it will mean:

The loss of employment for individuals who were given a fresh start

The loss of a valuable partner for local farms and vendors

A reduction in support for community organizations that rely on its contributions

Natalie and her team remain committed to their mission, but without temporary relief, covering legal expenses and maintaining staffing until the lease expires in September of 2025, will be increasingly difficult. Fleur de Cuisine is seeking support to bridge this gap and continue providing opportunities to those in need.

How to Support Fleur de Cuisine

The goal is not to ask for charity, but to seek support in ways that help sustain the business and ensure that its mission can continue. Those who wish to assist can do so in the following ways:

Spread Awareness – Share this story on social media, with friends, and within the community. Raising awareness is crucial.

Advocate for Small Businesses – Support policies that protect and promote local businesses. If you have influence in this space, your voice matters.

⚖️ Legal & Financial Assistance – If you know attorneys or legal advocates who can help navigate these challenges, connecting them with the business would be invaluable. Contributions toward legal fees would also provide much-needed relief.

Explore Business Partnerships – If there are alternative locations, funding sources, or partnership opportunities that could help sustain operations, any introductions or referrals would be appreciated.

Support the Business Directly – Engaging Fleur de Cuisine for catering services, private chef experiences, or dining at Marie de la Fleur provides direct support and helps sustain jobs. Whether it's a wedding, corporate event, private gathering, or community function, every catering order makes a meaningful impact.

Fleur de Cuisine has spent years giving back to others, and now, it is seeking the support needed to weather this difficult period. The team remains hopeful that with faith, perseverance, and the strength of the community, this business will not only survive but continue to serve others for years to come.

For those who can help in any capacity, your support is deeply appreciated.