It’s been a month since The Sherman has been able to serve its two most popular items.
The Sherman Burger: short-ribs, brisket, chuck, sharp cheddar, sambal aioli, vine ripened tomatoes, wild arugula, red onion marmalade on a King’s Hawaiian bun.
Or for something lighter, The Kitchen Sink: shredded iceberg lettuce, baby heirloom tomatoes, roasted bell peppers, red onions, roasted corn, Kalamata olives, diced chicken breast, baby mozzarella, mint, cucumber and champagne vinaigrette.
Heading into 2021, owner Theo Mavro is worried those popular items might never be served again if L.A. County’s most recent stay-at-home order keeps outdoor dining prohibited, a move that has forced The Sherman in Sherman Oaks to shut down completely.
“It’s the only way to say alive,” Mavro said. “I have to shut down to give myself a chance to come back. The takeout only isn’t an option. The food prep, utilities and employee wages. I would lose money.”
The Sherman was able to sustain with outdoor dining since June at limited capacity, according to Mavro. But if things stay as they are currently, The Sherman — along with its amazing food and cocktails — may be gone for good.
Mavro had to furlough his staff the day before Thanksgiving. It was the county’s second shutdown of outdoor dining since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in March.
“I had to tell my staff that I was putting them on furlough through December. It’s painful,” Mavro, the 39-year old restaurant owner said. “My employees are going through Christmas with their families with no job.”
Mavro opened The Sherman on St. Patrick’s Day in 2016 with the goal to be the go-to bar and restaurant for the community. Located on Ventura Boulevard just west of Van Nuys Boulevard and home to a trendy upstairs bar called The Attic, Mavro was doing it successfully.
“This place is my heart and soul,” he said. “I know people love it.”
He’s right, and it’s showing.
Mavro had no choice but to start a GoFundMe page to help raise funds that would help to pay rent and monthly bills. The campaign launched Dec. 12 and has raised $12,000 as of Wednesday afternoon. The same community Mavro has been trying to impact with great food and service is now impacting him with their support.
“It’s been unbelievable. I didn’t expect this,” Mavro said of the GoFundMe campaign.
Mavro says he’s lost roughly $350,000 since March. He’s lost between $50,000 to $60,000 since Thanksgiving. The ability to serve food has stopped, but the bills keep coming. Roughly $25,000 was spent to keep up with new PPE health codes, including plexiglass, COVID-specific air quality and sanitation upgrades, limited seating to ensure distance, outdoor heater and tents.
“If I chose to stay open and just do takeout I’d be out of business right now,” he said, due to the cost of food prep, utilities and wages. “At this rate without at least outdoor dining I’ll be done in February.”
The GoFundMe campaign goal is set for $20,000. If the goal is met, maybe the restaurant can survive until March.
Mavro watches the news every day hoping for more relief from the county or state. The restaurant’s first PPE loan has come and gone. He believes restaurant owners like himself are in a very difficult spot. He also thinks outdoor dining was made out to be a scapegoat for the spread of the virus when there’s no data or science to prove it.
“It’s impossible,” Mavro explained. “If we go against the orders we can get (liquor) licenses taken away, things that we need to operate. It’s a very tough spot to be in.”
Those who would like to help The Sherman open again, here’s the GoFundMe page.
