How We Investigated Restaurant GoFundMe Accounts

Reporters John Kessler and Katy Golvala spent two months researching restaurant groups’ use of GoFundMe and other fundraising efforts for this project. Here’s how they did it:

What were the financial relief options for restaurants when the pandemic hit?

Our analysis found that restaurant groups raised funds through three main strategies: sales from gift cards, merchandise and experiences, employee relief funds, and PPP loans. Many used a combination of approaches, with...