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I pride myself on being authentic. I'm not afraid to tell the ugly parts of my life. And this is ugly. But, I want people to know how these lockdowns have affected people.
My cousin owned 3 restaurants in STL & had been clean for 5 yrs. He passed away this week
Here's his story
My cousin owned 3 restaurants in STL & had been clean for 5 yrs. He passed away this week
Here's his story
My cousin Joe had a very hard time with drugs and alcohol in his early life. At one point he was homeless, living couch to couch, stealing money from his parents, and doing anything he can for a high.
He eventually got help after years of going back to this lifestyle
He eventually got help after years of going back to this lifestyle
Joey's saving grace was food. He went to culinary school before his addiction and used his passion for cooking to get him off the streets. He opened up 3 restaurants in the STL area and they became a success. Joe's past 10 years have been the best his life has ever been.
When COVID hit, this took a huge toll on his 3 restaurants. He did anything he could to keep them going. These were his babies. They kept him clean.
After months of silent struggle, we started to see Joe slip away. He drank for the first time in 5 years when I last saw him.
After months of silent struggle, we started to see Joe slip away. He drank for the first time in 5 years when I last saw him.
After a series of other events in his life, the past few months have been a struggle for him. But, the financial strain of these lockdowns on his businesses and employees was so hard on him. He relapsed recently and passed away this week.
Not only did a family lose their loved one but, STL will soon lose 3 businesses. Without Joe, these places won't stand much longer.
I hope to get the word out that these lockdowns have repercussions. They affect livelihoods, families, and people's mental health. This is not sustainable. Not for anyone. 
For those that are asking his restaurants are:
7 West Bar and Grill in Trenton
The Cobblestone Eatery in Lebanon
Dive Bar in Fairview Heights
Thank you everyone for your kind words.
7 West Bar and Grill in Trenton
The Cobblestone Eatery in Lebanon
Dive Bar in Fairview Heights
Thank you everyone for your kind words.
https://www.gofundme.com/f/q2yw8h-joeys-funeral-fund?utm_source=customer&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_campaign=p_cf+share-flow-1
Here is his GoFund Me. Thank you everyone.
Here is his GoFund Me. Thank you everyone.
I did not expect this to blow up. Thank you, everyone.
Please consider a donation to Joe's funeral fund. This is not an easy expense his family will bear during this holiday season. The rest of the money will be given to his employees to keep them working as long as we can.
Please consider a donation to Joe's funeral fund. This is not an easy expense his family will bear during this holiday season. The rest of the money will be given to his employees to keep them working as long as we can.
