Help fund Chef Matthew Baldridge's brick and mortar concept The Conserva

Pop-up duo, turned aspiring restaurateurs Matthew Baldridge and Janna Coumoundouros have their hands full, working to open two restaurant concepts: The Conserva, to be installed in a former bank building on Nine Mile Road in Ferndale; and Atomic Chicken, at Woodward and Milwaukee avenues in Detroit's New Center.

To help in the effort, Baldridge launched a GoFundMe online campaign this week for The Conserva concept, seeking to raise $8,000 to help continue renovations in the space, a former bank. So far, he's raised $500 (as of late Friday morning).

"While gutting what used to be an old tax place, I have found that there is more work to be done than I originally expected.
In order to bring my concept to life I'm asking for help. I can offer in return my undying gratitude, as well as some other incentives. I truly appreciate that you took the time to read my story, and hope you will consider a contribution! Every little bit helps," Balridge says on his fundraising site's page.

You might remember Baldridge and fiancee Coumoundouros from their Dinner Club pop-up series, an unpretentious dinner club environment, that utilizes unusual ingredients. With Conserva, guests will be served a variety of meats, seafood, pickled vegetables, mustards, and aiolis in jars, all prepared using the Italian process the space is named for. The roster will also include an extensive wine and beer menu. As for Atomic Chicken, the concept is fast-casual soul food, to move into a former Popeyes Chicken.

For more information on how you can help, click here.