The Port Aransas community is rallying behind their beloved chef, Dave Villareal, also known as Sushi Dave.
Villareal first captured the communities tastebuds with his top-quality sushi back in 2002. But it wasn’t just his food that people were drawn to.
“He instantly wants to know you, know about you,” says friend Beth Edward.
For the last four years, he’s been Chef and General Manager at The Phoenix Restaurant & Bar. But this past year has been anything but easy. First, Harvey destroyed his workplace along with 80 percent of his belongings.
Just when the tide was turning, he suffered a stroke in May, affecting the right side of his body.
Villareal who is right-handed was unable to work once again.
“To watch your friend not be able to use his hands and as a chef, that’s the most unimaginable thing,” says co-owner of The Phoenix Tiana Worsham. “When it first happened, we couldn’t look at each other without crying.”
Villareal is a fighter. He is recovering at a fast past, but still has a long way to go. Since the stroke, his been surrounded by his friends. They have provided food, helped with chores, but his bills are pilling up.
This is why a group of friends has set up a GoFundMe in hopes of easing the financial burden.
“So if others are able to help contribute, that’s a perfect solution,” says friend Lynnette Stirling.
Showing once again that in Port Aransas no one faces adversities alone.
“Nobody here is your friend, everybody here is your family,” says Dave Villareal.
If you would like to make a donation to help Sushi Dave, follow the link.
