WASHINGTON — After closing abruptly on Valentine's Day, a Black-owned restaurant in D.C.'s Shaw neighborhood is asking for donations to stay open.
A GoFundMe has been started for Stop Smack'N, a Southern comfort restaurant located on 7th Street, NW. The restaurant, created by D.C. natives DeAndre Green, Stanley Childs, and Chef Larry “Murf” Cooper, says it is closing over a rise in crime and costs in the District. Officials with the restaurant say they have been struggling to keep their doors open as their sales revenue has dropped over 50%.
"We have faced some particularly tall and costly hurdles that have set us back significantly since the beginning. As we are tapping every resource we can imagine with creativity and open minds we need urgent assistance," the restaurant said in a Facebook post.
All money raised through the GoFundMe will go toward helping the restaurant catch up on overhead costs and debts.
"In July 2021, we opened our doors and have become a staple within the Shaw-Howard community. We’ve given job opportunities to local college students, D.C. residents & minorities. Since opening, it has been extremely challenging as we have dealt with COVID-19 restrictions and a rise in crime, which has left many of our customers afraid to dine out," the Facebook post reads.
The restaurant originally started in 2020 during COVID in Chef Murf’s mother's house in Northeast, D.C. The brand quickly grew on social media, and this is where the restaurant “Where Food Meets Fashion!” was created. Restaurant officials say even though they have had success with food, news coverage, and loyal patrons--it's still not enough.
"However, like many other restaurants in the city, we are struggling to keep our doors open. We want to continue to serve delicious food in the warm, safe, and comfortable environment we created. Yet, we need your help to make this possible! With your donation, we can continue building our legacy as a Black-owned business by providing food that feeds your soul and spreads love in the community!" the Facebook post continues.
Stop Smack'n is the latest in a series of businesses set to close in the D.C.- area over a rise in crime and costs.
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