Musso & Frank Grill's Employee Relief Fund Reaches $100,000

HOLLYWOOD, CA — The owners of Musso & Frank Grill announced Monday that over $100,000 had been donated toward their employee relief GoFundMe, surpassing their goal.

Musso & Frank set up the GoFundMe in December, seeking to help their 84 furloughed employees. Over 750 donors had contributed as of January 5, bringing the total sum to $100,626.

The money goes directly to employees who have been out of work due to the pandemic, according to restaurant CFO and COO Mark Echeverria, a fourth- generation member of the family of owners.

"So many friends, longtime patrons, and members of our extended Musso 'family' reached out to us without prompting, inquiring as to how they might go about making a charitable contribution to the welfare of our employees," Echeverria said. "We were touched by these acts of generosity. Knowing that dozens of longtime and new patrons were willing to demonstrate their support for our employees warmed our hearts. Everyone really came through for the Musso team and helped us achieve our $100,000 goal."

Musso & Frank workers continue to receive their health care benefits at no cost to them, Echeverria said.

The longtime restaurant was founded by Frank Toulet and Joseph Musso in 1919.

The news comes as county officials said outdoor dining will be allowed to resume by Friday at the latest, after Governor Gavin Newsom reversed the statewide stay-at-home orders Monday morning.

Previously, Musso & Frank has said they will not reopen until indoor dining is once again safe and allowed, after a brief stint of only serving take out and delivery orders.

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