Ilia Gonzalez, co-founder of the popular Driftwood restaurant in Boynton Beach, unexpectedly died last week.
On Wednesday, Oct. 14, the restaurant posted that they would be closed. Later, they shared the news that Gonzalez had passed away. She and her husband, Jimmy Everett, opened Driftwood together in 2017, touting farm-to-table dining from hyperlocal vendors.
Gonzalez also leaves behind a son, Maxon, 13. Most of her social media consisted of her being a proud baseball mom, posting videos and photos from Maxon’s practices and games. According to her social media, she is a native of Bayamon, Puerto Rico, and attended the French Culinary Institute of New York.
On Driftwood’s social media account, a post read, “Ilia was a beloved part of our Driftwood family, Jimmy’s wife, Maxon’s mother, and a dear friend to so many in our community. If you’ve dined with us over the years, chances are you had the good fortune of knowing her. Ilia and Jimmy founded Driftwood together, and her care and hard work helped make it what it is today.”
Chefs and foodies chimed in, sharing their condolences and support to Everett and the Driftwood family. A GoFundMe was started to help with funeral expenses and to allow Everett to take time off from work to be with his son. So far, more than $49,000 has been raised. There is also a benefit dinner and concert planned for Nov. 12 at Swank Speciality Produce.
“So much of what Driftwood is came from Ilia, and we appreciate your continued support as we carry her legacy forward,” said a later social media post from Driftwood, thanking the public for their support.
