PINION owner Gary Usher admits he "messed up the numbers" ahead of his new Manchester city centre venue Kala and is set to launch his fifth crowdfunder campaign to raise the funds - with a little help from his famous chef friend Tom Kerridge.
Chef and restaurateur Gary Usher launched popular bistro Pinion in Prescot in October following a successful crowdfunder where he raised £50,000 in one hour.
Now, his sixth venue, is also needing a funding boost, as he calculates that he needs to raise £100,000 to get the King Street, Manchester venture off the ground, admitting he "messed up the numbers".
Four out of five of Usher's restaurants, including Pinion, were funded through Kickstarter campaigns, which saw diners give money towards the projects in return for rewards once the venue has opened.
Gary inside Pinion, Prescot
One such prize is offered by famous friend and Michelin-starred TV chef Tom Kerridge, who has offered to cook at a special guest chef night at two of Usher's restaurants, Hispi on March 25 in Didsbury and Liverpool restaurant Wreckfish on March 26.
Gary Usher said: “It’s no secret that I’ve messed up the numbers with Kala. Unfortunately, due to building issues we didn’t anticipate, we need an additional £100k if we are going to be able to open so we had to make the decision to do another crowdfunder.
"When Tom rang me asking how he could help get us the cash to open Kala, I couldn’t believe it.
"He has supported us so much with Wreckfish and it really helped us get over the line so, to do it again really is something special.
"Tom’s nights at Hispi and Wreckfish will undoubtedly be exceptional and, with Tom’s unprecedented support, we just can’t wait to get going with the Kickstarter now.”
Tickets for Tom’s guest chef evenings will be available to purchase during the Kickstarter campaign from Monday, March 11 at 9pm.
Tom Kerridge added: “Gary is everything that I find amazing about this industry - he’s driven, passionate and his love of restaurants is hugely inspiring.
"He is a friend that I admire very much. And as a bunch of people in Marlow, we would love to help Gary in any way that we can, to open his biggest and most exciting venture to date!”
He said: "Gary is everything that I find amazing about this industry - he’s driven, passionate and his love of restaurants is hugely inspiring. He is a friend that I admire very much. And as a bunch of people in Marlow, we would love to help Gary in any way that we can, to open his biggest and most exciting venture to date."
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