South Baltimore restaurants Barracudas and Pickles Pub are the latest businesses to receive donations from Jimmy’s Famous Seafood’s The Famous Fund. Jimmy’s started the fund on GoFundMe to support local restaurants that have been hurt by the COVID-19 pandemic and dining shutdowns.
The Famous Fund has now raised more than $411,000 and has supported more than 15 Baltimore businesses including Shotti’s Point, Sliders Bar and Grill, Illusions Magic Bar, and The Urban Oyster.
Pickles Pub in Ridgely’s Delight received $15,000 from The Famous Fund and found out during a call from 105.7 The Fan’s Jeremy Conn. From The Famous Fund’s press release:
In the background of the Brooks Robinson statue just across from Oriole Park at Camden Yards is Pickles Pub. Pickles is a popular destination for Orioles and Ravens fans, especially during home games. Unfortunately, in 2020, there were no fans due to the pandemic. This created a significant challenge for owner Tom Leonard.
His staff, past and present, submitted a heartfelt video to the Barstool Fund and later the Famous Fund. In the video, his employees describe the challenges of the last year, but also speak to the drive Leonard continues to have through the struggles. They described some of his efforts during the shutdown. On Easter, Leonard and his daughter dressed up as Easter bunnies and delivered baskets to his employees. Being located next to University Hospital, Leonard has kept the kitchen open late for the doctors and employees. He feeds first responders, regularly and has prepared and delivered thousands of meals to nurses, doctors, police, and firefighters.
Additionally, Leonard hires teachers and graduate students on a seasonal basis. Many of them depend on that job to help them out and he is hopeful that he can continue that practice this year.
Barracudas will receive $10,000 from The Famous Fund. Owner William “Billy” Hughes and General Manager Samantha Stinchcomb got the good news during a call from Baltimore celebrity chef and owner of Charm City Cakes Duff Goldman.
Their customers consist of loyal locals and friends who continue to show support, day after day, during these trying times. That is what has kept William “Billy” Hughes, the owner of Barracuda’s, and his staff motivated through the last ten months. He describes that time as a roller coaster of emotions as he tried to keep his staff motivated and employed.
Hughes’ General Manager, Samantha Stinchcomb, nominated Barracuda’s after seeing what Hughes had been doing for his employees. Hughes managed to find ways to keep employees paid, sometimes paying them out of his own pocket. Even when everyone’s morale was low after the last shutdown and times were difficult for everyone, Hughes gave the entire staff a paid mental health break to let everyone relax in order to come back stronger.
They’ve been adjusting their business model, constantly, over the past year to comply with local restrictions and to try to continue to generate business. While Hughes is grateful that he has been able to welcome customers again, he is still recovering from the effects of the prolonged shutdowns.
The Famous Fund, which was inspired by Barstool Sports and its founder Dave Portnoy’s The Barstool Fund, continues to attract donations and has been heavily supported and promoted by celebrity investor Marcus Lemonis, who has donated $60,000. Lemonis originally donated $20,000 and pledged and additional $20,000 when The Famous Fund hit marks of $200,000 and $350,000.
The fund has also received generous donations from Advance Business Systems, Marlon Humphrey, and Ronnie Stanley, in addition to many donations from local residents and businesses.
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