TAMAL
will be a
dine-in/take-out establishment, specializing in hand-rolled,
delicately steamed tamales. We have secured a beautiful retail space
on historic South Main Street - infrastructural work is nearly
complete.
We are raising money for equipment and need your help to open our doors.
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Pork,
chicken, vegetarian, and vegan tamales will be made fresh daily at
TAMAL. Locally sourced, seasonal side-dishes will be offered along
with beans, greens, and our signature agua fresca beverages -
horchata, tamarindo, and jamaica – all made in-house from
'scratch'.
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About Us
“We”
are the Iannelli family, long time residents of Gainesville who share
a passion for handmade tamales. Rachel is head cook and menu
coordinator. Nicholas rolls tamales and manages the
front-of-the-house. Our son Cecil, an Eastside High School Culinary
student, is TAMAL's part-time prep cook.
Rachel
has over three decades restaurant experience working under innovative
cooks and restaurateurs both in and out of Gainesville. She is a
University of Florida graduate who looks forward to putting her wide
range of experience to good use in service of a hungry community!
Nicholas is a carpenter and craftsman by trade, who has been doing
business in the Gainesville area for over 14 years. TAMAL is already
benefiting greatly from his working knowledge of restaurant
build-outs.
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About the Project
We
rented 439 S. Main as a 'blank slate' and have been doing the
renovation work out-of-pocket, during our free time. Plans have been
drafted, and permits pulled. Walls have been laid out, and erected.
City inspections of plumbing and electrical work have been passed.
Drywall, and finish-work is taking place now.
But,
outfitting a restaurant is expensive - and our credit union won't
loan to such a new business. That's where you come in: WE NEED YOUR
HELP to purchase cooking equipment, refrigeration units, shelving,
work tables and a water heater. All
funds raised during this campaign will be used to open our doors to
the public. Your contribution today brings delicious tamales to
downtown tomorrow. Every dollar counts!
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Impact
Our
location in downtown Gainesville is significant. TAMAL is
conveniently located only 2 blocks north of the new Depot Park
complex, in the heart of Gainesville's burgeoning South Main Arts
District. Imagine grabbing some tamales for a family picnic on the
Hawthorn Trail, or stopping by with friends for a workday lunch...
We
respect and admire the deep histories attached to South Main Street
and are proud to be a part of a continued legacy. We look forward to
contributing to an innovative and sustainable economic landscape –
and hiring people too! By helping us to achieve our goals, you will
be enriching a diverse and equitable business ecosystem in Gainesville.
Please join us in
making TAMAL
a top-notch eatery for all to enjoy!
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Tamal Perks
Your contribution will bring
a unique menu, and creative dining experience to Gainesville - and you
can get some tasty TAMAL perks by
helping us fund this endeavor. Tamales,
seasonal sides, house-made aguas frescas, and limited edition
t-shirts (design options below) are available. Thank you for your support!
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Other Ways You Can Help
If you can't make a monetary
contribution right now, please consider discussing tamales with
friends, or spreading the word on social media. The more people who hear
about TAMAL, the better chance we have of raising the money we need. Every good thought and kind word is appreciated. We thank you kindly for your
interest.
- The Iannelli Family
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