Some supporters of KOF Sports Café Bowie, a state of Maryland-based eatery, have launched a Go-Fund-Me appeal to save the thriving business from imminent collapse following its loggerhead with its new landlord, Winners Chapel International.
Owned by a Nigeria couple, the African eatery is described as a symbol of unity and cultural connection for Nigerian and African American communities since its inception in 2018.
Its supporters, led by Taiwo Oladitan and Tokunbo Elegbe, in the appeal for financial backing for the eatery, expressed fear that the business’ fortune might be negatively affected following its crisis with its new landlord, Winners Chapel International.
The fund, the patrons explained, would help the business to cover attorney fees in the suit with its new landlord, and potentially find a new location where it can continue to operate.
The patrons explained that since it took possession of the building housing the eatery in 2020, Winners Chapel International had not signed some documents as required to enable the eatery renew its licence to carry out some of its business activities.
According to them, all efforts by the owners to get the support of the new landlord in signing the document had proved abortive.
The call for support for the eatery reads in part:
“KOF Sports Café has faced several challenges in recent years. The COVID-19 pandemic struck in 2020, posing a significant threat to the survival of this small business. Thanks to the unwavering support of the local community, KOF Sports Café was able to weather the storm and continue providing a welcoming space for cultural connection.
“The most recent challenge comes in the form of Winner Chapel International Church, which purchased the property housing KOF Sports Café in 2020….”
The patrons stated that now more than ever, KOF Sports Café needed the support of the community for its survival.
“By contributing to this GoFundMe campaign, you will be helping KOF Sports Café to cover attorney fees and potentially find a new location where it can continue to serve as a symbol of unity and strength,” the supporters added.
The asserted that by supporting KOF Sports Café, the public would be defending a small business that had brought joy and cultural connection to the community.
“Together, we can show that our community will not be divided or broken by the actions of a few. We are stronger together, and together, we will prevail,” the supporters added.
