A fire broke out at a Park Slope restaurant days ago, and the local community is coming together to show their support.  

Giovanni Tartufi, owner of Giovanni’s Brooklyn Eats, learned on Saturday morning that his restaurant had fallen victim to a fire, forcing them to shut down. But that didn’t stop a loyal customer and friend from stepping in to help. 

“Seeing the restaurant in shambles, I just felt motivation… I have to help my friend,” said Kieth Greenberg, longtime customer and friend of Giovanni’s. 

Greenberg organized a GoFundme to ask for the community’s help to rebuild Giovanni’s Brooklyn Eats. Despite Giovanni initially not wanting to take the donations from the community, they gave him no choice. Within less than one week, the community has helped raise over $50,000.  

“Now I’m using every penny I receive to support my staff,” said Giovanni Tartufi. “It’s amazing… you don’t realize it until something like this happens how good people are.” 

Greenberg says Giovanni’s Brooklyn Eats is a special place, and that he and the community are determined to help those doors reopen for customers.  

There’s currently no timeline for when Giovanni’s will be back yet, but Tartufi says he’s committed to giving back and appreciating the tremendous love and support he and his restaurant have received.