Keep Root Hill Cafe's Doors Open

Dear Park Slope and Gowanus Community,

We aren't crying in a car on TikTok (IYKYK), but we do also need help.

It’s Kennie and Ale here. For those of you who don’t know us, we are the co-owners of Root Hill Cafe in Gowanus for the past five years and have been invested in its mission for even longer;

You know that Kendra (baking here since 2013) will evil-death-stare you, but then smile and bring balance to your world; and that a cup of joe and fluffy eggs just aren't the same without a little bullying from Ale (dancing onto the scene in 2016).

Both our hearts have belonged to this cozy community hub on the corner of 4th and Carroll from the get-go. We have loved our collective 20+ plus years, working in and for this neighborhood. It has been our pleasure to serve you your daily cup and breakfast sandwich, but even more so, we have loved the opportunity to be a long-term member of your community. We have loved seeing your kids grow from toddlers to high schoolers, and have adored supporting artist open studios and other local DIY arts events. We consider ourselves a safe space where all modes of expression are welcome.

Given our deep investment in the community, it is hard for us to admit to you, our loyal customers and local family, that like many small, non-corporate businesses, we are struggling. Due to the rise in operating costs across the board (from taxes to utilities to the price of avocados and eggs), we may not be able to make the numbers work so that RHC can keep its doors open.

The cafe is in need of financial support to help keep the lights on, pay employees, overhead expenses, and taxes while trying not to price out its customers for their daily cup of Joe. All money raised will also be used to help restructure the finances in a way that makes daily operation of the cafe more sustainable.

For any who can, we humbly seek your support in getting back on our feet. Every contribution, no matter how small, is deeply appreciated & will help so much in our process. And if you could consider sharing this campaign with your community — we’d be sincerely grateful! ☕️