Photo courtesy of The Herritage / Facebook

For over six months, COVID restrictions have kept a Kinston business closed, but members of the community are holding a fundraiser this weekend to help the owners survive until it is allowed to reopen.

The Herritage, a bar and taproom in downtown Kinston, has been closed due to COVID-19 emergency restrictions since mid-March. Owner Laurie Anderson said the past six months have been hard.

“We’ve been struggling and trying to pay bills this whole time, without being open,” Anderson said. 

During the closure, Anderson said her business has tried to stay afloat by selling beer to-go, but those sales slowed as many of her competitors, who fell under different categories for reopening, were able to open for customers months ago. 

In August, an online fundraiser on Facebook raised close to $3000 for The Herritage, which Anderson said was a lifeline for her business. 

After brainstorming for other ways to help, Anderson said a group of regular patrons of The Herritage has organized a BBQ fundraiser to offer more support for the business. BBQ plates will be available on Saturday, October 3, with proceeds going to help The Herritage stay in business until it is allowed to reopen. 

Raine Tyndall, who organized the Facebook fundraiser, and has helped organize the BBQ fundraiser, said The Herritage is a favorite spot for many in the community. 

“It’s more than a taproom. We’ve had baby showers, bridal showers and retirement parties there. There are quite a few of us who would like to see them be able to hold on, and reopen whenever Governor Cooper allows them to,” Tyndall said. 

Tyndall said Yogi Harris, who has cooked for several other events held at The Herritage, will cook the pig, and other supporters are donating sides to go with the BBQ, and will be helping put together plates on Saturday. 

“This is a true community effort. Everybody wants to see them be able to open,” Tyndall said. 

For Anderson, having the customers she has gotten to know over the years volunteer their time, money, and effort in order to help her stay afloat is very meaningful.

“It means the world to me,” Anderson said. 

The plates will be available on Saturday, October 3, beginning at 5 p.m. at The Herritage, located at 200 N. Herritage St. in Kinston, for a suggested donation of $7. Each plate will include BBQ and two sides.