James Allcock extends his Pig & Whistle crowdfunder after hitting initial target in less than an hour
Chef Owner James Allcock has launched a Kickstarter to take complete ownership of the Pig & Whistle in Beverly, offering a range of rewards for supporters.
After hitting the initial fundraising target of £12,000 in just 48 minutes, James confirmed that a stretch target of £20,000 has been set to help the bistro fit new opening windows that would give the venue an "inside outside feel" similar to Parisian bistros or tapas bars in Spain.
Commenting on the Kickstarter page, James wrote: “I'm excited and hopeful we can push this fund on to achieve that, but humbled and honoured you've allowed us to come this far and helped me secure The Pig for the next 10 years.”
James launched the fundraiser over the weekend in an effort to generate funds to paying a bond to the restaurant’s landlord with the aim of taking full control of the premises.
Speaking to The Staff Canteen, James said: "This Crowdfunder isn't launching as a 'Save our Pig & Whistle', because it isn't that but it is probably the most responsible way. We've got a lot of debt still from Covid. We're a small but profitable little business and to stretch ourselves for another £10,000 wouldn't be very responsible moving forwards, I don't think so whilst I could find it another way, this is probably the best way to generate that money."
Despite the overwhelming response from backers, James launched the kickstarter feeling very unsure about the campaigns success and whether he’d be able to meet the target.
“I don't feel any arrogance towards it. I think this is literally going to be the hardest thing I've ever done,” he explained to The Staff Canteen.
Supporting James and The Pig & Whistle numerous chefs from across the industry have donated prizes to help James reach his target/ Chefs including Gary Usher of Elite Bistros, Paul Leonard of Michelin-starred Forest Side in Cumbria and Mark Poynton, who is soon to open his second restaurant in Norfolk, got in touch offering to run guest chef nights to support Kickstarter.
Other rewards include vouchers for meals at the restaurant, bespoke deli hampers, and branded t-shirts.
The Kickstarter has 48 days remaining and has so far raised £13,531.
Donate to James’ Kickstarter here.
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