As popular Woy Woy café Link and Pin struggles to stay afloat following COVID lockdowns and severe weather events over the past two years, the owners have started a Gofundme appeal, asking customers to help cover immediate bills.
Mark Fraser, who co-owns the café with Adam Brzowzski, said they had taken over the enterprise almost two years ago.
“Soon after we took over we were hit hard with COVID-19 restrictions,” Fraser said.
“Then came the severe storms and a tree collapsed onto our rear beer garden.
“We got to the point where we needed some help – we are certainly not alone, with many other businesses feeling the pinch but we though we’d put it out there.”
Fraser said he had been “blown away” by the response so far, with the $20,000 goal set for the fundraiser exceeded within a week.
“It is amazing to see the support we have had,” he said.
“The customers have rallied around us and while it won’t solve all our problems it will pay some immediate bills.”
Fraser said the business had lost around $200,000 in the past two years, with little Government support and rent, band fees, suppliers and salaries still having to be paid.
“It has been a priority for us to make sure the staff have continually been paid,” he said.
Fraser said the café would push through the financial difficulties.
“We are one of the very few venues offering live original music in a courtyard setting – and the bands love coming here too.
“We support our local young bands and it’s amazing to see the talent here on the Coast.
“We provide an important and much-needed space for original artists, who are still recovering from the two lockdowns in NSW, and the recent floods.
“We’ve had more than 500 bands come through and have seen tens of thousands of patrons.”
The venue offers live music on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, with other activities including music trivia, poetry readings and open mic nights.
“We have been struggling to stay afloat for a while – forgoing wages for the directors and bookers for the past few weeks so we can pay our suppliers, staff and bands,” Fraser said.
He said he and Brzowzski had exhausted their life savings with no more cash left tot inject into the business.
“We want to continue to bring excellent alternative live music, food and beverages and atmosphere to the Central Coast, but truly need a helping hand to dig us out of the cashflow hole.”
Fraser said he remained confident about the future, with bands booked through until March next year and a major weekend of celebration planned to celebrate Link and Pin’s second birthday on December 10-11.
“This is just a bump in the road, but it’s a pretty huge one,” he said.
Donations can be made at https://www.gofundme.com/f/please-help-link-pin-to-keep-afloat?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet.
Terry Collins
Oh wow maybe I should do the same I am a struggling Pensioner and cant even afford to buy proper food to eat and am struggling paying bills too