Help Rebuild Crown Cafe: A Community Dream

About two years ago, my mother and I began our dream of opening a small business, Crown Cafe, right in the heart of Watertown, MA. Our cozy breakfast and lunch diner, located across from the Watertown Fire Department and the Watertown Free Public Library, quickly became more than just a place to eat; it became a local favorite, running with the spirit of our family and the history of its location in a century-old building.

The journey to opening Crown Cafe was not an easy one. My mother sold her only home in Iran, navigating the complexities of international sanctions and hyperinflation to fund our dream. Together, we invested over $150,000—our life savings—into making Crown Cafe a reality, signing a month-by-month lease in the hope of building a future in our new homeland.

Just as we started to see our hard work pay off, our dreams were threatened by a development project that would demolish our beloved cafe to make way for a new mixed-use building. Despite our efforts to grow and become a profitable establishment, the approval of this project in October 2023 and the subsequent termination of our lease mean we now face the loss of everything we have worked for.

The Challenge: As we approach our final days, with a notice to vacate by April 1st, 2024, it's become clear that the legal framework around our lease offers us no protection. The proposed settlement of $32,000 for rent abatement from the developers, while a gesture, falls significantly short of compensating for our investments or supporting a new beginning.

Why We Need Your Help: We are turning to you, our community, in our hour of need. Your support through this GoFundMe campaign represents more than just financial assistance; it's a lifeline that offers hope for a future where we can continue to serve and be a part of this wonderful community. The funds raised will directly support our efforts to recover from this loss and explore new ventures where we can keep our dream alive.

Our Promise: Your support means everything to us. It's a testament to the spirit of community and resilience in the face of adversity. Every donation, no matter the size, brings us a step closer to rebuilding our lives and continuing to serve the community we love so dearly.

In Closing: Our story is one of hope, perseverance, and the unbreakable bond between a family and their community. It's about not giving up, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges. By supporting Crown Cafe, you're not just helping a small business recover; you're preserving the essence of what makes our community so special.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for any support you can offer. Together, we believe we can overcome this challenge and emerge stronger, with a renewed purpose and commitment to serving our community.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Sep Madani and Sara Rafiei - Crown Cafe Family