Fundraiser Launched To Support CT Restaurant That Inspired 'Gilmore Girls' Diner

WOODBURY, CT — A GoFundMe has been launched to support a Woodbury restaurant that is the certified inspiration for the iconic Luke's Diner on the popular television show "Gilmore Girls."

According to the fundraiser page, organized over the weekend by Susan Lang, Rachel's Kitchen is a small local business that serves breakfast and lunch items to locals and visitors alike.

"As with most small businesses, a small setback causes problems," the fundraiser's description reads, "and a major equipment failure can be catastrophic."

On Friday, Rachel's Kitchen announced on its Facebook page the restaurant's hood exhaust system is broken and the business needed to temporarily close as a result.

The business also noted a walk-in cooler at the restaurant is also in need of repair.

"So we cannot be open without a functioning exhaust system," the restaurant's post reads. "We NEED to be open and as soon as it is repaired, I will update everyone.

The GoFundMe further explained both the walk-in cooler and kitchen exhaust fan need to be replaced.

"Replacing an exhaust fan is extremely expensive, but it is absolutely necessary for this restaurant to open again. And obviously, no restaurant can function without a commercial cooler," the description reads. "In addition to the replacement costs, there was a lot of spoiled food, and a restaurant that isn’t open isn’t making any money. It is my hope that this GoFundMe campaign can help her get the new equipment purchased and installed as soon as possible."

In a follow up post Thursday morning, the restaurant noted Rachel's Kitchen plans to reopen Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. with "a limited but delicious menu" of breakfast and lunch items.

"Trying to make the best of this until we can get our hood exhaust and other equipment fixed," the post reads.

As of Thursday evening, the GoFundMe has raised nearly $2,000 toward a $25,000 goal after receiving over a dozen donations.

In its post Thursday, the restaurant thanked its customers for donating to the fundraiser.

"The GoFundMe is still up," the post reads, "thank you to my wonderful customers that started it and ALL whom have donated so far and to ALL that have shared the link!"

The temporary closure comes just weeks after the restaurant announced on Facebook that Rachel's Kitchen was officially certified as the inspiration for Luke's Diner, an iconic fictional location on "Gilmore Girls."

"Many months ago I was contacted by one of 'Gilmore Girls' producers to let me know that my restaurant was the certified inspiration for Luke's Diner in 'The Gilmore Girls,'" the Aug. 9 post reads, "and they not only wanted me to know this but wanted to do something at the restaurant for a future project."

The restaurant has not yet revealed what the future project is but teased they would keep customers posted.

"Gilmore Girls" starred Lauren Graham and Alexis Bledel as Lorelai and Rory Gilmore, a mother–daughter pair who live in the fictional Connecticut community Stars Hollow.

In the show, Luke's Diner is owned by Luke Danes, played by actor Scott Patterson, and the titular characters are often seen dining there.

Created by Amy Sherman-Palladino, the comedy drama series ran for seven seasons on The WB and The CW from 2000 to 2007.

Those who wish to donate to the GoFundMe can do so here.