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GoFundMe launched to keep Hickory Hank’s BBQ open in Rio Linda

As you may have heard, Hickory Hanks BBQ is under fire from Sacramento County.

A couple of weeks ago, the issue came to the Rio Linda Elverta Community Planning Advisory Council for a pre-hearing review. We learned that the property Hickory Hanks is operating on isn’t zoned properly for commercial business. The property needs to be rezoned, or the business has to move or shut down.

Hank Virga, the owner of Hickory Hanks, wants to remain and rezone a portion of the property. This is a pricey proposition and could cost $60,000 or more. To that end, Mr. Virga is asking for some help by way of a GoFundMe campaign.

Due to the Coronavirus, they have had to change how they operate the weekly bbq, and they have had to put the catering side of the business on ice. There are continually changing guidelines that they have to keep up with, and constant upgrades they are making so that customers are as comfortable as possible while following all the new county health policies and rules.

Virga says “For the last 30 years, I have done business in and around Sacramento, Giving me the opportunity to meet many valued customers and make many lasting relationships. Every week my dedicated staff, that I love like family, and I work hand in hand to bbq up some fantastic food that we get to share with all of you or wrangle it together for that special event.”

“If I have to close my doors this will not only be a hardship on my family, staff, and myself, but also the many other people, businesses, and corporations associated with Hickory Hanks. Due to the county demands, and the lack of catering business, we are asking for any contributions you can help us with. We are, and always will be, a community business and can’t do it without your help.”

To date they have raised $6,200 on 23 donations.

You can donate to the GoFundMe at https://www.gofundme.com/f/keep-hickory-hanks-open