Linda's Bar on Franklin Street starts GoFundMe to stay in business

Linda's Bar and Grill on Franklin Street in Chapel Hill has started a GoFundMe to stay in business.

Linda's owner and chef Chris Carini wrote, "In order to keep our people paid, the lights on, machines fixed, and the building up to code, etc., we need a bit of help. It feels like a burden worthy of asking my community for help with so we may continue into the future."

Carini said many of Linda's struggles are a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic, which left Linda's and other businesses struggling amid staffing shortages, lockdowns and inflation.

"We've survived by the brawn of our backs, the strength of our community, and most of all because you love Linda's so much," Carini wrote.

The owner added he will need to spend time with one of his parents, who is terminally ill, in the next months, creating a further strain on the business.

"Long and the short of it, I'm asking for help from all the people far and wide who love Linda's to help me keep it around for another 47 years," he wrote. "It's hard to ask, but I thought I would before I didn't get the chance. Thank you for reading and doing what you can to preserve this town landmark."

On Friday afternoon, Linda's GoFundMe page had raised more than $19,200 of a $135,000 goal. Donations were as small as $10 and as large as $1,000, by an anonymous person.

"We felt really welcome. They remembered my name," said Sophie Heldt, an employee at Linda's, "When I was in a pinch after graduating, Chris offered me a job and was a life saver."

Many people who donated also commented with words of support.

"The food is delicious, but the people are special," said Cathy Zimmer, a frequent customer who comes to Linda's everyday while getting her Ph.D in sociology.

Linda's, which stays open until 2 a.m. several nights a week, is frequented by University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill students and faculty and is a popular spot to watch games. One donor wrote about Linda's cheese fries and ribeye sandwiches.

"I would be very, very sad if Linda's closed. It's been apart of my life since I've been at UNC," Zimmer said.

Linda's is closed on Mondays but opens at 11 a.m. every other day of the week.

Carini said plans are in the works to start serving breakfast.