Fundraiser set up for employees of Karl’s Cabin in wake of fire
A fire caused serious damage to Karls Cabin Feb. 15.
In the hours and days since a fire caused serious damage to Salem Township’s Karl’s Cabin restaurant, social-media posts have showered the business’s owners and employees with praise for their decades of kindness, high-quality food — and the perseverance they displayed through the COVID-19 pandemic.
As the eatery’s employees face an uncertain length of time out of work as the sections of the charred structure are renovated, longtime Karl’s patron Thomas Maged is taking action, starting a GoFundMe.com fundraiser that will support the employees and their families during the weeks the restaurant is closed.
” This is not just a restaurant and staff are not just employees,” Maged posted on the fundraising page. “Karl’s Cabin has literally become a home away from home for many of the staff and guests alike. A place where friends meet, memories are made, and new friendships begin. The Poulos family is working hard to repair the building and bring all 100 of the close knit staff back together again.
“The staff of Karl’s Cabin weathered the storm of COVID and now find themselves once again in peril. Please help support the staff and their families as they navigate through this next battle and help them financially bridge this unexpected loss. I consider myself one of the Karl’s Cabin family members and can’t wait to see everyone back together again as soon as possible but in the meantime, I know that some of the people we all know so will need our help, now more than ever.”
Owners appreciate outpouring of support
Maged has set a goal of $100,000 for the staff of close to 100 employees.
The Poulos family, who have owned the restaurant for decades, have been touched by the support of the community.
“We are so grateful for all the kind posts, text messages, phone calls, emails and personal visits,” the family shared on social media. “We would like to send a special shout out to all the area agencies & departments for saving the cabin including Ann Arbor City FD, Ann Arbor Twp FD, Dexter FD, Northfield FD, South Lyon FD, Scio FD, Superior FD, Northville City FD, Northville Twp FD, Plymouth FD, Plymouth Twp FD, Canton FD, Lyon FD, Salem FD, Huron Valley Ambulance, Michigan State Police and Washtenaw County Sheriff. Without you the loss would have been much greater. “Our plan is to reopen, we’re just not sure how long it will take. We have already started the cleaning process and will keep you posted as we learn more of our long journey ahead. As sad as we are for our staff and guests we are so happy that no one was hurt. Stay tuned for more information as we gather it. Thank you for all the love, support and understanding.”
