RAS West Village Seeks Support to Rebuild After Fire

Written by The VEGPRENEUR Team

After a fire caused major damage to their West Village location, founders Romeo and Milka are asking the community to help bring it back to life.

RAS was never meant to be just another restaurant.

Founded by the passionate and faith-driven husband-and-wife team, Romeo and Milka, RAS was created as a space for gathering, sharing, and experiencing bold, imaginative interpretations of Ethiopian cuisine. Their vision? A new kind of food experience — one centered not on tradition or trends, but on heart, flavor, and genuine human connection.

Rather than adhering to a strict culinary formula, RAS embraces freedom in the kitchen. Their menu offers a vibrant remix of Ethiopian tastes — full of smoky, rich spices, layers of heat and sweetness, and unexpected combinations that challenge perceptions. While every dish is completely plant-based, that’s not the centerpiece — the magic lies in the artistry, the intensity of flavor, and the atmosphere of care that surrounds each plate.

Dining at RAS means stepping into a space that celebrates warmth, joy, and intention. Every visit feels like coming home — a place where hospitality is soulful, and where food becomes a language of love.

A Crisis That Changed Everything

Recently, a fire caused serious damage to RAS West Village. Thankfully, no one was injured, but the space that Romeo and Milka poured years of love, work, and faith into has been left in ruins. The kitchen, dining room, and much of their essential equipment were destroyed, and now they’re facing the emotional and financial weight of starting over.

This has been a heartbreaking loss. But they are determined to rebuild.

An Invitation to Stand With RAS

Romeo and Milka are calling on their extended community to help support the restoration of RAS. Their fundraising goal is $200,000 — which will go toward:

Structural repairs and renovations
New kitchen equipment and furnishings
Replacement of lost food and supplies
Support for staff during the closure
Costs tied to reopening and sustaining operations

This is about more than rebuilding a restaurant. It’s about restoring a mission. RAS has always been a labor of love — a platform for creativity, a place of belonging, and a vessel for purpose-driven work. Romeo and Milka have consistently shown up for their guests and their team. Now, they humbly ask others to show up for them.

A Community Already Rising

In just a few days since launching their campaign, over 400 people have come together to offer more than $40,000 in donations — a powerful reminder that RAS has touched many hearts. The couple says the support has left them speechless, lifting their spirits at a time when they’ve needed it most. Now they have raised over $100,000, they are half way to their goal.

The journey ahead remains long and uncertain, but this wave of generosity has given them something essential: hope.

“Our dream is to continue this work — not just serving incredible food, but creating a space where people feel loved, seen, and cared for,” they shared.

How You Can Help

Every contribution — big or small — is a step closer to reopening RAS and reviving its spirit in the West Village. If you’ve ever eaten at RAS, you know: this place is special. And if you haven’t, this is your chance to be part of something built on integrity, passion, and love.

Whether you donate, spread the word, or simply send encouragement, your support matters. Together, we can help bring RAS back stronger than ever.