We’ve spent the last few months organizing, investigating, and grappling with what has happened to our restaurant. We’ve also come to the conclusion that even with overwhelming community support and outrange, Alice Waters has not budged and feels entitled to the space. Therefore, SaveCesar needs your help in this next phase: ACTION
During the darkest days of the pandemic, Chez Panisse informed Cesar that they would not be renewing the lease (after 20+ years). Operating under the parent corporation Pagnol Et Cie Inc, Chez Panisse was also hard at work securing covid relief funding, while filing a lawsuit against their insurance for covid related damages.
- On 2020-04-10, they received $1.41M PPP loan
- On 2021-02-06, they received another $1.98M PPP loan
- On 2021-05-18, they received a whopping $4,643,795 from the federal restaurant revitalization fund
We are not here to judge an individual or businesses response to the Covid 19 pandemic. Cesar felt that the risk of isolation outweighed the danger of the virus, and opened its doors in 2021. Chez Panisse was on the opposite side of the pendulum, kept the restaurant closed all the way until March, 2022. A big question remains. How can Chez Panisse, after being closed for years, suddenly emarck on an expensive expansion next door?
We need your help!
- Join our facebook group and/or instagram groups. Start a positive dialog
- Share pictures and memories with us! Email them to info@savecesar.org
- If you own or know a small business willing to help, ask for SaveCesar window decal
- Email info@savecesar.org if you're interested in helping with investigation and outreach. Who is on the Chez Panisse board of directors? What can the restaurant revitalization fund be used for, and is the spending of this money public information? Do Berkeley tenant rights extend to small businesses?
- Help with this campaign and donate at www.savecesar.org/donate. Note: All spending will be transparent and published on our site, with remaining funds going directly to Cesar staff.
- Sign up for the newsletter at www.savecesar.org/newsletter
- Talk to past and present Chez Panisse employees. Let them know how you feel.
Look forward to sharing patatas bravas with you soon!
Sincerely,
SaveCesar