Nottingham chef Alex Bond has smashed a £100,000 crowdfunding target after food lovers flocked to snap up rewards in return for a donation. The owner of Michelin-starred Alchemilla launched a campaign to raise cash to complete his new fried chicken venture Mollis after unexpected structural problems sent it over budget.
The original plan to start fundraising from October 1 changed when Kickstarter pulled the campaign. Instead, an appeal was launched on alternative crowdfunding platform Indiegogo which hit the target within a week and currently stands at more than £110,000 with six days still left to run.
The funds will help Alex complete the refurbishment of former Chinese restaurant One More, next door to Alchemilla in Derby Road. Mollis will be a blend of fried chicken like no other, soft serve ice cream, hip hop and graffiti. He hopes to open in November.
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Foodies were able to claim rewards, ranging from £15 for a box of sweet treats to a £2,000 private dinner for eight people. There were also collaborations with chefs from Michelin-starred restaurants including the acclaimed Ynyshir, Cornerstone and Mana for £500 to £1,000.
There are still a number of perks left if anyone wants to make a contribution, including a £25 meal deal, £40 T-shirts and a chance to go to the exclusive soft opening for four for £200. To make a donation go to indiegogo.com/projects/mollis#/
The chef said: "I'm not sure what to say. I am literally blown away. The support you guys have shown is absolutely unreal. We are so excited to see it happen."
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