On 20th January, John Contente, the charismatic owner of Le Petit Bar on the Rock in Monaco, was seriously injured in a motorbike accident. Currently in a coma, the Portuguese-Australian restaurateur faces a long road to recovery, and the local community is coming together to ensure that his beloved restaurant remains open and operational in his absence through a fundraiser launched in his honour.
In the days after the accident, Le Petit Bar on Rue Basse was temporarily closed, and fears began to build about its future, with its leader and visionary out of action and recovering from his extensive injuries in hospital.
Then came a break in the clouds. Together with Le Petit Bar’s communications manager, Contente’s close friend and business partner decided to launch a fundraiser to help keep the popular venue afloat and to support his family in this challenging time.
“For so many of us, he was the heart and soul of Le Petit Bar,” reads a statement on the fundraiser’s online page. “His sharp humour, his candid spirit, and his boundless passion never failed to make us laugh and satisfy our appetites. Now it’s our turn to give back some of what he has given us. We’ve created this fundraiser to ensure his cherished restaurant is ready to welcome him when he wakes up and to support his family who travelled from afar to be by his side. Every contribution matters and shows John that we stand together with him.”
Within 48 hours of the fundraiser being active, more than 100 donors had contributed. That figure now stands closer to 170, with more than €40,811 collected, demonstrating the strength and depth of Monaco’s community spirit.
The funds will go towards covering key expenses such as the high rent, team wages, and medical costs. A portion of the funds will also be given to Contente’s family, who have travelled from far and wide to be by his side.
“Every contribution is a step toward easing their burden and giving back to someone who has brought so much joy, flavour, and warmth to our lives,” continues the statement. “Thank you so much for your support, generosity, and kind thoughts. Together, we can lift up the man who has given us so much.”
For those wishing to support John, donations can be made via the La Cagnotte des Proches platform. Click here for more information.
Read this interview with John Contente from 2019, where he shared his vision for Le Petit Bar with Monaco Life’s Editor-in-Chief, Cassandra Tanti:
Monaco Life is produced by real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads,  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok.
Photo source: Pixl Studio