The fire at Atlanta's OK Cafe, in the heart of Buckhead, has been a much lamented headline this week.
Credit: Jennifer Brett
Credit: Jennifer Brett
Former Atlanta Mayor and current Buckhead Coalition President Sam Massell called yesterday to commiserate, as he and many prominent Buckhead business folk dine there regularly. We both are gravely concerned about whether local PR mogul Tony Wilbert will starve to death while the OK undergoes repairs.
I told Massell that I'm in grief counseling given the sudden dearth of fried cheese grits in my life. Have you had them? Lawd.
Credit: Jennifer Brett
Credit: Jennifer Brett
As usual, my tediously me-centric view of things is misplaced, and I want to spread the word about an online fundraiser that Cousins Properties Executive Vice President John S. McColl has launched to benefit members of the beloved restaurant's staff:
"While thankfully no one was injured, the beloved Atlanta restaurant was forced to shut down for the foreseeable future. Anyone who has eaten at OK Cafe knows about the warm and friendly cooks, waitresses and other staff who make OK Cafe the beloved place that it is. Your donation will help those same staff members enjoy the holiday season with their families, as if OK Cafe was never shut down. Please contribute any amount that you feel is appropriate. 100% of proceeds will go towards ensuring the one hundred OK Cafe staff members will enjoy the holidays."
What a wonderful gesture. To contribute see this link.
Credit: Jennifer Brett
Credit: Jennifer Brett
The fire, caused by a water heater malfunction, will keep the restaurant shuttered for an indeterminate amount of time, General Manager Carlos Alarcon told the AJC.
A friend's Facebook post I saw earlier today indicated staff members are scrambling due to the sudden loss of income: "I have a friend who has worked at the OK Cafe for years. Because of the fire she will be out of work there for about three months. She also has considerable nanny experience, with references, and is interested in providing childcare during this interim time. Let me know if you would like her contact information."
So I hope the online fundraiser will be able to offer some help to this person and the others put out of work by the fire.
Remember, the OK Cafe takes its name from the restaurant in "To Kill A Mockingbird," and this signed letter from author Harper Lee used to hang near the front entrance:
Credit: Jennifer Brett
Credit: Jennifer Brett
I don't know if it survived or if it has been reduced to ashes, but I think it's a good time to recall the end of the book.
"Atticus, he was real nice..."
"Most people are, Scout, when you finally see them."
A good lesson for us all this time of year and always. Again, here is the link to contribute to the OK Cafe staff fund.
