One lucky Windsor based chef is now the owner of a Toronto restaurant, and it only cost him $150.
Das Gasthaus gastrobar on Danforth Avenue was put up in a raffle by owner Ruthie Cummings on Nov. 9, 2015. In a touching video made to promote the contest, Cummings revealed that she was leaving the restaurant not because she wanted to, but because she had to. Cummings' parents are in their 80s, and their health is deteriorating, so she is putting her restaurant dreams on hold to take care of them.
Cummings sold tickets at $150 apiece, with the intention of selling a maximum of 4000 tickets. Despite selling fewer than that, she went ahead with the raffle, increasing all participants' odds of winning the restaurant.
And for Shawn McKerness, executive chef at The City Grill in downtown Windsor, lucky ticket #4190 was all he needed. He found out he won the restaurant just before the new year when Cummings called to tell him the good news.
McKerness, who is also expecting a child this year, took to his Facebook page on Dec. 31 to thank his friends and family for all the congratulations, writing honestly about his emotions regarding the news:
The restaurant is currently valued at $144,550 and includes all furniture, equipment and fixtures, but does not include artwork found within the space, as Cummings wishes to keep them for sentimental reasons.