Owner Of Shuttered Rhapsody Cafe Seeks Financial Help For Workers

DEERFIELD, IL — Restaurant fans of Rhapsody Cafe were disappointed to learn the diner in Deerfield Square closed last month. Owners Ramon and Diana Abarca, though, are saying not to fret as their next culinary venture, The Poached Egg, will be opening soon at 1111 N. Milwaukee Ave., Riverwoods.

Until the self-funded new endeavor opens, the owners are hoping the public can help with soften the financial burden for staff as they've been without income for a month. A GoFundMe has been set up with a goal of raising $30,000.

"They [staff] all are helping us setting up our new location," Ramon Abarca said on the campaign page. "We are working hard to open for business on the week of Dec. 18."

On The Poached Egg website, Abarca describes the "modest beginning" to his career when he started out by doing dishes in 1988. He later became a cook, assistant manager, and slowly, yet steadily, he gained knowledge of the restaurant business, according to Abarca.

GoFundMe is a Patch promotional partner.

"Please help us with a few dollars to give our staff some income while we open for business," Abarca said. "Help us put few dollars as cash reserves as well. "We all miss all our fans and followers. We certainly hope we see you when we open."

To learn more about the GoFundMe, visit here.