Some will do it to skip the head of the brunch line. Others, to help a much loved part of the Capitol Hill food and drink community get off to a strong start in its new, bigger and broader life in a new neighborhood home.
Glo’s has launched its “Glow Up” crowdfunding campaign in a quest to raise $350,000 from the community to help power the construction of its new home above Capitol Hill Station.
“We’re trying to be a good member of the community and take care of folks,” owner Julie Reisman tells CHS. “Money does talk, unfortunately. I’m just hoping there’s a lot of goodwill out there towards Glo’s.”
“I’ve also done that,” Reisman says of investors, bank loans, and debt. Reisman has already raised $125,000 from friends and family. Other establishments sometimes get their cash by finding investors. For Glo’s, Capitol Hill will hopefully provide all the 35-year-old diner will need.
CHS reported here on the plans for Glo’s to leave its E Olive Way home of 35 years for a new start on Broadway in a new 2,900-square-foot space nearly three and a half times larger than the original with space for eggs benedict, of course, but also an expanded espresso program and “breakfast cocktails.” Plus, the location above the station development’s plaza “is killer,” Reisman says.
With a design by Miranda Saddler, and a plan by Citizen Design Collaborative and contractor Metis lined up to shape the new Glo’s, the fundraising campaign will run through April 15th. With six months of construction, that would put Glo’s on track for a fall opening in its new home.
Reisman says giving to Glo’s will do more than make sure your favorite brunch spot gets a solid build out. Since the start of the pandemic, Glo’s community meals program has served more than 6,500 free meals through donations from customers and community members. Glo’s hopes to expand that program with the move. Any extra funds raised or money that goes unspent from the campaign will also go to the program, Reisman said.
There are some fun perks for those able to give a little more. $500 will score a reservation during the new Glo’s opening weekend. For $5,000, you can get free birthday breakfasts for the rest of your life. $50,000? You’ll get a speed pass that lets you and your friends skip to the front of the legendary Glo’s breakfast lines.
Don’t be envious if you see a Glo’s giver stroll to the front of the line. “You’re sitting here because of them,” Reisman said.
But Reisman is mostly thinking about smaller donations and hopes fans of Glo’s from over the years will come together to help give the new start a boost. “People want to keep eating breakfast at Glo’s,” Reisman said. “We’re super grateful. Whatever they can do, we’re super grateful.”
Glo’s plans to reopen above Capitol Hill Station at 118 Broadway E alongside the AIDS Memorial Pathway Plaza in fall 2022. Visit gloscafe.com to learn more. You can give here.
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Wait, you want other people to pay for you to open your business so you can make money? I could understand if you sold stock or something to fund a start up. Maybe Im wrong but if you cant afford to pay (or get a loan) to open your business maybe you shouldn’t start it?
maybe community and continuity are important to some folks. it’s not your money, let them decide.
I agree. They sign a lease for a new bigger space and now want $350,000 in donations?
I agree. Whatever happened to a good, old-fashioned “small business loan” from the feds? Aren’t those available anymore?
This is a cultural staple dude. Take this capitalism talk somewhere else.
>“I’ve also done that,” Reisman says of investors, bank loans, and debt
The costs of a new lease, buildout, moving, and spinning up essentially a whole new business after a long pandemic are considerable. Glos isn’t a nationwide chain that can amortize that cost over a hundred other locations… taking this spot is an expensive way to stay alive but hopefully one that will pay off. Donations mean the loans they must take are smaller and get paid back quicker, making it less likely that New Glos is going to tap out at the end of their first lease.
If you don’t want to donate that’s fine, but it’s a bit much to complain that they’re asking for help from the community. We’re happy to help, no need to step in on our behalf.
Well, you enjoy your bougie, rich person-owned businesses, Steve, and the rest of us will support our longtime hangout. Seriously, you cookie cutter people with your stock-funded start ups have been the death of the neighborhood.
My point being, Why in the world would you sign a lease and pay for these build out plans and God knows what, and not have the money to open / start your business? Good luck with that.
tell that to NFL owners when they want to build a stadium haha
Only $50,000 and you can . . . Bypass the line? Lol. I’m pretty sure the people who have 50 grand to toss around aren’t eating at Glo’s. But hey – – I give them credit for trying!
Want to bypass the line? Slip a banknote to the person at the door.
Have you never been NE of 12th and Aloha?
Why do I fear this will be another Canterbury or Comet – a place that used to be divey, then re-opens and is “fancy” and expensive? I see $18 plates of bacon and eggs in our future.
Comet isn’t divey anymore? What? lol…ok
Not that it isn’t now… but if you went before they revamped it you know. Shit was grimy. I loved it there, but you didn’t want to touch the walls.
Yeah, I went to the new Comet exactly once, whereas the old one was my favorite place ever. The new one is sterile and dull in comparison.
People complaining about Glo’s asking for money: if you have a business that is beloved by the community and that was so successful, this is a reward you’re bestowed. Like it or lump it.