From: Boston, MA
Thursday, 10:37 A.M.
February 4, 2021
Dear Bostonians,
The last eleven months have been difficult times for all of us.
The dining room table is now the office, laptops & tablets are now portals into the kids classroom & trying to re-create your "go to meal" in the kitchen...from your favorite restaurant is a lot harder than you thought.
How do they get those mashed potatoes so dang rich and creamy?!
We have all adapted to new routines of the way we work, exercise and entertain ourselves while staying safe and healthy.
Fond memories of date nights and after work drinks still make us tear up, as we wonder when we will be able to do that again.
There's no disputing that the restaurant industry has been absolutely crushed during this pandemic.
With the average restaurant seeing sales decline by 80% - it has forced almost 30% of restaurants throughout Mass to close their doors forever.
From the upscale dining in Boston, to the local neighborhood bars & pubs nestled in Worcester County restaurants are frantically trying to keep their heads above water.
It seemed like every other day on Facebook I was seeing another great establishment closing due to the pandemic.
With strict restrictions from the state enforced on restaurants + social distancing + loyal customers not venturing out to eat = a math equation I think you already know the answer to.
Barely no sales.
In an industry that explodes on Thursday - Sunday has left dining rooms empty and stools flipped on the bar.
Being a business owner myself, I know the highs and lows that you are faced with running a company...and honestly can't even imagine the gut wrenching pain of seeing your restaurant slip like sand in-between your hands.
It got me thinking of a way that I could rally every Bostonian from California to Southie and help raise some money for the restaurants that desperately need it.
Hmmmmmmm.
What is an item that everyone loves and proudly wear LOUD & PROUD on their chest?.........
Ah ha! Ahhhh T-SHIRT! (of course)
Having sold close to 150k shirts online, I know a thing or two about t-shirts ;)
But, like every great shirt campaign I have launched....it always starts with a kick-ass jaw-dropping design!
Which led me to local artist Lauren Madigan from Somerville who was nice enough to donate her time and creative talents to bring this 'Wicked Hungry' idea to life!
I literally had a quick ten minute chat with Lauren, told her what I was trying to do with designing a food themed shirt...and she was off to the races doodling like Walt Disney on Red Bull!
Within a couple weeks the design (that you see above) was created and our Limited Edition Massachusetts Restaurant Fundraiser Shirt was born!
Chances are if you're reading this you are a Dunkin' Drinkin' Wicked Pissah Bostonian who loves their hometown roots and community.
Whether you still live in Massachusetts or have moved away the spirit of the Commonwealth all still burns inside us no matter we live.
I write to you today asking for your support to help sell 10,000 shirts and raise the necessary funds to help us keep as many restaurants doors open!
A portion of the proceeds from every shirt will help local Massachusetts restaurants, bars & cafes.
You can feel good knowing that your 'Wicked Hungry' shirt played a pivotal role in helping restaurants big and small stay afloat during these challenging times.
Plus, this shirt is going to be perfect for wearing at your next Sunday boozy brunch when we can all reunite with friends and family again!
Mhmmmmmm I can already taste the bottomless mimosa's now.
Thank You for your support!
Stay Hungry Boston,
- Jonathan Holden
Owner, Purely Boston