GastroPod's Jeremiah Bullfrog has been known to experiment with various cuisines and restaurant themes. From his Airstream to his P.I.G. events that celebrate all things pork, the chef is famed for innovative takes on classic favorites and intriguing dinners and brunches.
His most recent project is a permanent restaurant formed from a shipping container in Wynwood, which started out as a pop-up during Art Basel. Bullfrog, however, ran into some difficulties during the conversion to a formal space. "We got hit with some crazy permit fees for our new location in Wynwood. After hiring a zoning lawyer and permit [expert], our funds were exhausted."
See also: GastroPod's Noodle Head Hangs Out in Wynwood After Basel
The chef — who writes on Kickstarter: "We put every dollar we have into transforming an old shipping container into the new home of GastroPod Mobile Gourmet" — has turned to the crowdfunding site to help with the finances needed to keep his restaurant open. He tells New Times the crowdfunding "is to help us move forward and continue to build the vision of GastroPod 2.0."
The chef hopes to raise $5,659 by February 5. According to Bullfrog, the funds will be used for landscaping, seating, permits, and the "many, many other soft costs of opening."
Bullfrog is offering a host of perks for people willing to invest in the Kickstarter campaign. A $5 pledge will get you a social media shout-out saying, "GastroPod loves you"; $15 gets you a pass to the restaurant's grand opening; $30 snags you a T-shirt; $50 gets you a ticket to one of GastroPod popular brunches; and $100 gets you a ticket to a GastroPod dinner.
The perks get better for high-rollers. For $250, chef Jeremiah Bullfrog will teach you some of his secrets in a private cooking class. Donors who give $500 will get a dish named after them on the menu, and a $5,000 investment will secure your very own seat at GastroPod.
So far, 13 backers have pledged a total of $790. There are 28 days left to donate to the campaign. If you want to pledge, visit kickstarter.com.
If you want to check out the food before you make an investment, Bullfrog's container is located at 160 NW 26th St. and is open Tuesday through Saturday from noon to 11 p.m.
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