Raquel Leviss Opens up About Being Unemployed from SUR Amid Coronavirus

Amidst the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and California's stay-at-home order, all three of Lisa Vanderpump's restaurants — Tom Tom, SUR, and Villa Blanca — have temporarily closed. In the meantime, some of the restaurants' employees have found themselves unemployed — and SUR waitress Raquel Leviss is one of those affected. 

In a March 27 Instagram share, the Vanderpump Rules SURver opened up about facing financial uncertainty in her current situation. "I apologize to those who have reached out requesting $ from me to help with hardships," she wrote. "Unfortunately I’m not in a place to donate to individuals at this time and I feel horrible about that. Like many, I am currently unemployed from my waitressing position at SUR. But I can stay inside so that’s what’s happening here!"

Raquel also wrote: "Do your part and stay inside!" which was a sentiment echoed by her boss Lisa Vanderpump. In a March 22 post, Lisa had written: "Please stay home if you can and help [Flatten the Curve] and allow our society to try and catch up with this virus."

Over their feeds, both Tom Tom co-owners Tom Sandoval and Schwartz shared how they're helping to raise funds for their hospitality-industry peers.

"Hello friends & fellow humans!" Schwartz wrote in his post. "Covid-19 is affecting us all. The bar & restaurant industry has been hit especially hard. Tom & I are doing some [Cameo] shout outs to raise money for our [Tom Tom] bar & restaurant family! We are donating 100% of the proceeds and matching up to 10k to our staff at [Tom Tom.] This whole situation sucks and we want to do something to help out."

Randall Emmett hopped into the comments with a seeming offer to donate, writing: "I'm in." For her part, SURver Dayna Kathan showed her appreciation with four heart emoji. 

In Lisa's response to the pandemic on her personal feed, she also noted the ways in which she's helping her community. "I am in shock at what has happened in the world in a few short weeks," the restaurateur wrote. "I know how lucky I am, to be here safe in my house and healthy, and my thoughts and prayers really do go out to each of you affected by this horrific pandemic. I know so many people have lost income, or have caught this virus, or are working on the frontlines to combat it, and I am so deeply grateful for all the people helping in this crisis, from first responders, health workers, scientists, nurses, doctors, to grocery store employees, delivery workers, pharmacy employees etc."

She added: " I urge anyone who can to donate to a local food bank, or an organization working to combat this coronavirus. I will be making a donation to [LA Food Bank] and [Midnight Mission.]"

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