Saving VIP’s CAFE in Tarzana, CA Amid Covid-19 Hardship
DT: MAY 19, 2020
FR: MITCH SCHNEIDER, SRO PR
SAVING VIP’S CAFÉ,
UCLA COACH JOHN WOODEN’S FAVORITE COFFEE SHOP
COMMUNITY LAUNCHES GOFUNDME
TO HELP RESTAURANT AFFECTED BY CORONAVIRUS
LOS ANGELES, May 19, 2020–Ryan Hagen, San Fernando Valley resident, today announced the launch of a GoFundMe campaign in hopes of saving VIP’s Cafe in Tarzana, CA after the restaurant was forced to shut down due to the coronavirus pandemic. Hagen is turning to the community to help since the restaurant has received no assistance from the SBA loans available to small businesses as of this time.
Owners Paul and Lucy Ma bought the restaurant in 1998 and have built a long list of celebrity patrons in addition to their local loyal clientele over the years. VIP‘s is best known for being UCLA Coach John Wooden’s favorite coffee shop, where his favorite booth is memorialized along with his favorite breakfast being featured as the “Coach Wooden Special” on the menu. It has become a destination for Bruins fans around the globe and the gallery of photos–featuring celebrity athletes, musicians, and actors with owners Paul & Lucy–provide a “who’s who” in major sports and entertainment patrons over the years. Since closing in mid-March, Paul and Lucy have had no income, had to furlough their staff, and hope for a small business loan while awaiting when they may be able to reopen. On May 11th they reopened for takeout, but like any business that closes, it is having a difficult time getting the word out.
Hagen hopes to rally the community along with those who love VIP‘s to give Paul and Lucy an opportunity to recover from eight weeks of no income to assist with outstanding rent; cover business expenses associated with reopening such as food and electricity; bringing staff back onto payroll; and giving the loyal staff with decades of service a place to return to.
VIP’s Cafe was established in 1998 and has served the San Fernando Valley for 22 years. The restaurant is located at 18345 Ventura Blvd. Tarzana, CA 91356. Takeout hours are 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM seven days a week.
GoFundMe Link:
For more info please, contact Ryan Hagen:
(805) 208-8476
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