Dear Crema Supporters,

You may have read the Harvard Crimson article, "The Neighborhood Where Nothing Ever Changes."

It's well worth the read, chock full of interviews with local merchants, such as Bill Bartley, Mr. Bartleys Burger Cottage, 60 years and counting. Even these revered outposts are feeling the heat. Bartley speaks about how Harvard used to be the best landlord in the world, until Summer 2018:  “And then they sent me the lease. She said she had an offer, but it wasn’t anything like what we had had before.” Bartley braces the heels of his hands against the counter, his head bowed. “Finally I just said, ‘Fine, I’m going to do something we’ve never done before — I’m going to call my lawyer.’”

In response to Crimson reporters, Harvard spokesperson Brigid O'Rourke sent the official Harvard CYA (cover your @$$) reply, “Mr. Bartley’s Burger Cottage has been a staple in the Square for nearly 60 years, we look forward to achieving a mutually acceptable lease.” 

Where's this unabashed greed come from? We understand Asana, needing to justify the $100,000,000 price tag on the property, but HARVARD? Didn't they buy that building back in the 1970s? We have to do something, or 20 years from now, there will be no mom and pops left.

"Bill Bartley was sad to see Crema leave the Square. Bartley estimates that Crema would have needed to pay $30,000 per month in rent and recalls cautioning the owners against fighting to remain in the Square. “Get out,” he remembers saying, “You can pay the 30; you might be able to tread water for a couple of years, but get out — it’s just not worth it.”"

Feeling angry? SHARE THE PETITION. Get people to sign. bitly.com/savecremacafe
Signing means we're not giving up.
Signing means that we're going to hold the landlords accountable.
Signing means we are demanding that our elected officials DO SOMETHING.

We are not taking no for an answer. We've got to keep mom and pops in place.