Hello friends,

I’m writing to you during one of the most challenging times I’ve ever experienced in the history of Gracie’s Ventures. Earlier this week, per order of the state, Gracie’s and Ellie’s were shut down abruptly and indefinitely and our 70 employees lost their income. Our team desperately needs your support and your love in this time of financial uncertainty.

I’ve spent the past days navigating through the information and policies being instituted for the hospitality industry, realizing that we’re in uncharted territory and all at the mercy of our government and whatever policies they choose to implement. I’ve been trying to find the best platform or way to take care of our teams’ needs immediately, and this is what I’ve settled on.

There are so many questions still unanswered but one thing I am certain of is the power of Service and Hospitality. I am so grateful to our friends and family that have reached out to find out how they could best take care of our amazing Gracie’s and Ellie’s teams at this time. Please know that you are the driving force behind this initiative.  All of your donations will go directly to benefit our 70 team members, such as:

• Elizabeth, who’s constantly studying new information, sharing knowledge with fellow teammates, and greeting each guest personally so that you feel like the only guest she sees;
• Pete, who puts his head down and begins each day by pushing through his prep lists, always challenging himself to beat the previous day’s time goal;
• Evan, who painstakingly rewrites our Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) every time an ounce of change has been made to our service;
• Sarah, who personally checks in with every teammate and ensures that they want for nothing;
• Nikita, who works hard to make each drink outshine the last and anticipate her guests’ needs before they even place their orders;
• Alane, who’s always bringing a smile to (y)our face and a sense of warmth as you walk into Ellie’s;
• Alex, who is always up for the challenge no matter what’s presented to him;
•  Nick, who always comes into work with warmth and brightness that allows those around him to feel uplifted;
• And so many more.
  

I could go on and on about the many contributions that our team brings to the table every single day. I cherish our teams in so many ways. 

“Surround yourself with the dreamers, and the doers, the believers, and thinkers, but most of all, surround yourself with those who see the greatness within you, even when you don’t see it yourself.”  —Edmund Lee

I live by that philosophy. The teams we have created are the most passionate, creative, giving, nurturing, generous, compassionate and knowledgeable group I have ever known. I look forward each day to working with them and taking in all the glory they put forth for you. We all aim to please and to WOW each other and you. Our team is selfless and spends their days thinking of ways they can create magical moments for you. 

For those of you who know me intimately, you know that I’m a giver, not a taker. It runs true in the hospitality industry—it’s in our nature to give. It’s uncomfortable for us to ask for help but we need you more than ever during this time. Please consider giving what you can at this critical juncture and help us take care of the people that take care of you.

Ellen Slattery
Proprietor, Gracie's Ventures, Inc.