P.Franco to return following successful crowdfund
Gee launched the crowdfund in late March after the Hackney-based group that owned P.Franco, as well as nearby Bright restaurant and Noble Fine Liquor wine shop, collapsed earlier that month, leading to the closure of its entire estate.
The campaign set an initial target of £10,000 to go towards business set up fees and administration costs, buying equipment, stocking shelves and maintenance work. It hit its target within three days and eventually raised a total of £19,625 from 305 supporters in 35 days.
Writing on Instagram, Gee thanked those that had donated to the crowdfund and confirmed that the aim was to reopen P.Franco in mid June.
“Wanted to share a massive thank you for all the crowdfunding support,” he said.
“We made it! Lots to do over the next month while the license application is being considered, but will be back open as soon as possible!
“[I] can’t emphasise enough how much the financial support through the crowdfunder has made this possible.
“Without it there is no way I would have been able to risk reopening, so I hope that over the years to come I’m able to repay my gratitude with more memorable evenings, conversations, and events.
“A serious showing of how much this place means to everyone.”
Prior to launching the crowdfund, Gee reached out to William Gleave and Phil Bracey, who first established P.Franco’s resident chef and service approach in 2015, for their blessing to reopen the bar.
“They’ve given their love and support to move forward, passing on their pleasure that the bar will have a chance to continue into its next iteration — one they hope harnesses everything they created, as well as seeing it evolve under my ownership, both locally and abroad,” Gee said.
