New Chapter - Tarsilla's Cafe Closing

My name is Karrie, and I own Tarsilla's restaurant in Stewartville, MN and have been the owner for 12 years. It was my first job in high school and I was lucky to be able to make my dreams of owning it come true. My daughter, Kayla, is a pillar of support for the restaurant and me, especially as we moved through the pandemic. My son, Mikky is a freshman at Stewartville High School and is a rising football and basketball athlete.

For those of you who know me, you know that I am not someone who asks for help. I am usually the first in line to offer help to others when needed. Whether it’s a place to stay, a hot meal, a ride to the movies (and back), or an ear to listen to. But now, I need you to help me help move my kids and me into the next chapter of our lives.

Recently, Tarsilla’s landlord approached me about a complete remodel which would have required me to close for a minimum of three months. As you know, COVID was not kind to restaurants and my family and I have put all we have, literally our blood, sweat, tears, and a lot of money into keeping Tarsilla's open for the Stewartville community and especially for our loyal customers. A three months closure is not feasible, so with a heavy heart and tears in my eyes, we made the difficult decision, as a family, to close the restaurant permanently. Tarsilla's last day serving the community will be July 15th, 2023.

On top of this, my kids and I will need to move from our home on June 1st, 2023. We need your help to support us with funds that will go directly to housing costs for moving and security deposits.

Because Kayla and I will be looking for work once we officially close Tarsilla's, I want to make sure that we have a running start into our new chapter, which means paying as much rent upfront as I can.

I have never been in a situation to ask for help at this level, but want to do everything possible to remain in Stewartville and a part of the community that Kayla, Mikky and I love. There is no other community for us, and no other place we would rather be. And moving Mikky to a new school district is not something we are willing to consider.

Please consider donating to help us move forward.