Northbrook Native Raising Funds For Struggling Restaurants

NORTHBROOK, IL — Ian Braverman recently moved back to his hometown of Northbrook. The Glenbrook North graduate has many fond memories of frequenting local restaurants throughout his childhood and in later years.

He remembers biking to Big Apple Bagel after school to pick up a snack. He recalls running to Tongs or Marisa's to pick up dinner for the family, or grabbing Little Louie's during open lunch at GBN. Braverman believes these mainstays have helped make Northbrook what it is today.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, restaurants across the country are struggling to stay in business with many having to close their doors permanently. It is no different here in Northbrook.

Braverman decided he wanted to help. Two weeks ago, he started a GoFundMe page with a goal of raising money for local restaurants to let them know they have the community's support, especially during the holiday season.

Which Northbrook Business Is Best Of 2020? Nominate Your Favorite

"This was important to me because I knew that a lot of these small businesses have been around for 20 plus years, as I remember going to them as a kid," Braverman said. "I've heard stories about the struggles and it's easy to see the sheer impact that the pandemic is having on their business models."

GoFundMe is a Patch promotional partner.

With an initial goal of raising $3,750 for 15 restaurants, the GoFundMe campaign has raised $4,625 as of Sunday afternoon. Braverman decided to increase the goal to $5,000 and add more restaurants.

"I knew that I wanted to do whatever I could to help them out in any way possible, even if it was just a small donation," Braverman said. "I want these small businesses to know that the community is here for them and for them to weather through the storm."

The 20 restaurants set to benefit from the campaign are: Tong's, Marisa's Pizza, Josh's, Big Apple Bagel, Grill House, Greek Upon A Grill, House 406, Francesca's, EATACO, Landmark, Little Louie's, Trattoria Oliverii, Claim Company, Love's Yogurt, Dairy Queen, Georgie V's, Baskin Robbins, Basu and Fujiyama.

"My original goal set at $3,750 for 15 restaurants, allowing each restaurant to get $250. Shortly after launching, several people were reaching out with other restaurant ideas, and so I decided to increase the restaurants to 20 at $200 each, or $4,000 in total," Braverman said. "Now, my stretch goal is to get to $5,000 and add an additional five restaurants. At the end of the day, I want to help as many small businesses as possible, while also giving them a meaningful donation of at least $200. I would love for us to go over $5,000, however."

Braverman is leaving it up to the individual restaurants to distribute the money as they see fit. As he wants them to be able to appreciate the money during the holiday season, his goal is to present the donations by Dec. 18.

"I have been greatly surprised by the overall response from the community," Braverman said. "At the beginning, I wasn't sure if people were going to donate at all, simply because I am just a person trying to gather funds rather than an established organization."