The now-viral Barstool Fund fundraiser launched by Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy today announced that San Diego's Crest Cafe is the latest restaurant receiving bailout funds.
Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy launched The Barstool Fund on December 17 with his own $500,000 to help benefit struggling small businesses in need of a financial lifeline. Companies that have continued to pay their employees throughout the pandemic were asked to apply via email for assistance with needs. Big-name contributors to the fund include NFL star Tom Brady, Food Network host Guy Fieri, and musician Kid Rock. Earlier this week, the fund surpassed $25 million.
Today, The Barstool Fund announced its latest recipient would be San Diego's own Crest Cafe. In an emotional video, Crest Cafe General Manager Enrique Medina pleaded with Portnoy to rescue his family's struggling business. Medina explained that his great uncle Luis Moreno founded Crest Cafe in 1982 but without some immediate financial assistance, the business would be forced soon end its nearly 4 decade run. Crest Cafe will receive a grant in the amount of $15,000 from The Barstool Fund.
"This is the good part of the day when I get to call guys like you and tell them that we want to help out," said Portnoy in his Facetime conversation with Enrique Medina where he informed him Crest Cafe has been selected by The Barstool Fund. "Yea, you're the exact type of business we're looking for - 38 years, family run, was it your uncle who started it?...You're in San Diego, tough place I'm sure. California is one of like the hardest for restaurants and bars business."
Crest Cafe is located at 425 Robinson Avenue in San Diego's Hillcrest neighborhood. The restaurant is currently open for takeout and delivery from 7am to 10pm every day. For more information, visit crestcafe.net.
