East Hampton Business Crippled By Coronavirus 'Needs Help'

EAST HAMPTON, NY — Babette's, a mainstay on the East Hampton canvas, is popular for local, organic, and seasonal fare — but also, known for the generosity of owner Barbara Layton, who has given back faithfully to the community for years.

And now, Babette's, and Layton, need help; the business is struggling due to the new coronavirus.

Layton created a GoFundMe page, "Babette's Needs Your Help," that raised $460 of its $85,000 goal a few hours after it was posted.

"I had hoped that this pandemic would pass quickly," Layton said. "We all did. Spring is here and summer is upon us and Babette’s needs your help to make it to our 25th summer."

She added: "Born from a dream many moons ago, Babette’s opened its doors to this community that we all love with an unwavering commitment to serve. Providing clean, healthy food was a priority but more importantly, for me, was the desire to support and care for the beautiful organizations we cherish in our community."

Layton has given freely to the hospice, the Retreat, the East Hampton Food Pantry, the Hamptons International Film Festival, churches and temples, the Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons, and the Ladies Village Improvement Society and she has hosted, and donated to, local as well as national fundraisers.

"This community means the world to Babette’s," she said. "Restaurants are powerful venues making a desperately needed difference in our community and that has always been and remains a priority for me. It is something I continue to be truly passionate about and, as many of you know, my commitment is steadfast."

Layton said she, along with the Babette’s staff, wish to move forward and continue to serve as they have done for the past 25 years.

"Many members of the staff have been working side by side with me for 20 years and some, for our entire 25 years," she said. "Yes, we are family — and yes, we are asking for your help. Our expenses and financial obligations cannot be met to get us to the summer."

Layton said the generous support of the community "will help us remain the constant we have been for 25 years — always there for you. We love you. We thank you. We appreciate you."

Resident Kate Mueth said Layton is a "relentless giver to all who need support. The list of her generosity is long and now Babette’s needs your support in these challenging days. This place isn’t a corporation of people, it’s Barbara and her staff keeping this East Hampton fixture afloat. They need some help as a small business fixture that is always here for us."

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