Illegal Food — the former pop-up in the kitchen at Joystick Gamebar, beloved for hefty burgers such as cult favorite "The Hank"— was scheduled to open its first full-service restaurant in early December in the Virginia-Highland space recently occupied by Bar Meatball.
But after getting the keys to the space in September, the renovation required more time and money than expected, including replacing the beer cooler, refurbishing the walk-in and fixing the HVAC system. Now, Illegal Food owner Steven Lingenfelter wants fans to help out and earn some rewards.
“We signed the lease for the place and wanted to use our savings to fund the restaurant renovation, allowing us to not have to take out any loans,” Lingenfelter said in a statement released this morning. “Though we still haven’t yet had to do that, we used a lot of our resources to get our doors open and we’re hoping our supporters can help us out to get us started.”
More details from the press release:
The goal for the Illegal Food team is raising $25,000, an effort to restore the money it lost during the renovations. As an incentive for the fans, patrons can purchase different tiers and receive different prizes from the team as a “thank you.” Select items include:
· (5 supporters) $200: We receive fresh pork belly, you participate in curing it with Steven, and then it’s smoked afterward. You get to take home 5 pounds of the best bacon you’ve ever had! (locals only, please)
· (5 supporters) $250: Hang-out butchery session and mixed drinks with Steven. Come watch Steven and crew butcher a half cow and you take home two cuts of steak of our choosing.
· (3 supporters) $400: Dinner for 2 - Enjoy the Chef’s tasting menu for 2, with personal attention from Steven during the coursed meal. Included: a house cocktail or brew per person and a 20% gratuity.
· (1 supporter): $1,500: Chef Steven will roast a whole grass fed, heritage pig and we’ll transport it to your location in Metro Atlanta. You and 14 of your best friends will indulge in mouthwatering pork complemented with a few amazing side dishes, made from scratch and chosen by the Chef.
· (1 supporter): $10,000: Illegal Food will be the glad hosts for you and 99 of your close (or not-so-close) friends! It will be held on a Monday because we are not open to the public on those days. We will provide passed appetizers and a cocktail reception, followed by salads, entreés and desserts with limited bar.
Fans can contribute online .
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