Calgary cafe calls on community for help with 'financial crisis' | Daily Hive

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A Calgary cafe is calling on the community for help as it faces a “financial crisis” that threatens its ability to stay open.

The family behind Deerhead Cafe, a nostalgic diner that’s been a fixture in the city for decades, has shared a GoFundMe in the hopes of raising enough to help keep the business afloat.

“For over 15 years, my parents have poured their hearts, souls, and hard work into running the Deerhead Cafe. It has been more than just a business — it’s been a place where memories are made, warm meals are shared, and everyone who walks through the door is treated like family,” the fundraiser reads.

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According to the GoFundMe, financial issues for the business first emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic, with forced closures, capacity limits, and the resulting inflation. As a result, the business is now facing outstanding property taxes, missed utility payments, and accumulated debts such as back rent and loan repayments.

“The debt accumulated during those years created a compounding burden that local small businesses simply weren’t designed to absorb,” the family said.

While the family were able to bridge the gap using their own money for a while, they have now exhausted their financial resources and are asking the community to help. Otherwise, the cafe is at “severe risk” of closure.

The GoFundMe campaign aims to raise around $100,000, which will go towards immediately settling debts, property taxes and utility bills, as a means of stabilizing the business for the future.

So far, at the time of writing, the campaign has raised just over $2,500.

“Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your love, generosity, and support during this incredibly challenging time,” the family added.