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Ritceys East, an American-style restaurant located at 208 Waverley Avenue in Watertown, made a plea to its fans and customers to help the beloved neighborhood spot pay down a large sum of debt the eatery accrued since the COVID-19 pandemic.
The owner of Ritceys East, Max Ritcey, created a GoFundMe on Monday, July 17, sharing that they were paying roughly $7,000 in debt related to the pandemic each month.
"It’s very hard for me to share this but Ritceys is down on average 20k a month since the pandemic," wrote Ritcey in the GoFundMe campaign description. "I personally keep telling myself it’s coming back but unfortunately with the amount of loans I had to take out during COVID there is no way for me to catch up."
Ritcey said that they needed to reach at least $30,000 in donations in order to bring their debt to a manageable level. They said if they did not reach the goal by September, they would be forced to close the restaurant.
The cry for help was met with a flood of support. In only four days, the fundraiser garnered over $18,000.
"You’re an integral, beloved, and vital part of the neighborhood, Max," wrote a supporter on Facebook. "Let us know what you need, friend."
"Donated, and shared," wrote another. "Really happy to have you in Watertown and want you to stay!"
The eatery is loved for its homemade comfort food, offering dishes like fried pickles, mac n' cheese, and hearty burgers.
"Best neighborhood hangout - we walk over once a week," wrote one reviewer on Yelp. "It's been our go-to after work this summer because of the outdoor patio, spicy mango margarita, fish tacos, and the plain guy burger. The staff is uber-friendly, smiles all the time, knowledgeable, and quick for hungry and thirty folx!"
The owner said that they may not be able to respond to each message of support, but that they were supremely grateful.
"Do know that I love you and appreciate you," Ritcey wrote.
Click here to view the GoFundMe for Ritcey East.
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