Construction crews demolished a cafe at the Pacifica Municipal Pier after rising structural concerns led to the pier’s indefinite closure last week.
Since the demolition Tuesday of the Chit Chat Cafe, a GoFundMe campaign to support the cafe has garnered $30,000 and more than 300 individual donations to support business losses, replacing equipment and support staff.
On June 4, the city of Pacifica announced the indefinite closure of the pier due to cracking, displacement and damage to the concrete walkway and abutment. Following assessments from structural engineers, the city declared a local emergency the following day.
The emergency declaration said the pier developed structural damage caused by rough surf and swells near the abutment and Chit Chat Cafe, which sat at the foot of the pier. The sudden closure prevented cafe staff from entering the building to recover items themselves.
Last week, a GoFundMe campaign was set up for Chit Chat Cafe owners Ginger Davis and Branden Jenkins. The page said the closure was unexpected and “devastating” as they had recently made significant investments in equipment and sale items, including food and bait.
The GoFundMe’s goal was set to $32,000 and as of Friday morning, has raised nearly $30,000.
“Thank you to everyone who has extended their support to us, in any and all forms,” said Davis and Jenkins on the GoFundMe campaign Wednesday. “Now that we watched the demolition, we’re starting to process the loss. After a couple days we’ll be ready to share next steps in our journey, and new ways we plan on growing and fostering our Pacifica community at our other location.”
Chit Chat Cafe’s second location, at 5 W. Manor Drive, will remain open.