KSHB 41 reporter Fernanda Silva covers stories in the Northland. She also focuses on issues surrounding immigration. Share your story idea with Fernanda.
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Several Kansas City-area businesses are closing Friday or closing early in solidarity with a nationwide strike to protest ICE. Others say they can't afford to close, but still support the movement.
The Westside Local says it will be closed on Friday in support of the Minneapolis protests.
Disco Burger, located in the River Market area, posted on social media they are "joining the Minneapolis community’s call for a national general strike."
Garden House Cafe, in Kansas City, Kansas, and Third Place Lounge, in the Westside area, also won’t open. “This isn’t about politics. It’s about dignity,” Third Place Lounge wrote on social media.
On Friday, Made Mobb announced that they will stay closed, both online and in person.
An Instagram post from Blip Roasters states they will be closing early, at 1 p.m., “to allow our team to participate in the nationwide strike.”
Two other local coffee shops will be closing at 1 p.m. — Scout Coffee, in Blue Springs, and Oddly Correct Coffee Roasters.
That’s a similar stance to one Cafe Cà Phê is taking.
“Weather-related closures over the weekend put us in a position where fully closing is not financially possible,” Cafe Cà Phê posted on social media. “Any staff member who wishes to participate in the local strike is fully supported in doing so.”
Creative Studio Maypop in Brookside says it will remain open — but only as a community space.
“There will be no sales, no classes, no commerce,” the business posted on Instagram. They will be offering coffee and pastries donated by Heirloom Bakery & Hearth.
Seven Swans Crêperie posted on social media that it stands against ICE — but said closing its doors would not be good for its staff and their families.
“We want to show up for them and everyone else and stand firmly together as a neighborhood and city, protecting all who live here,” their post stated.
10% of Friday's sales will be donated to AIRRKC, an immigrant aid organization.
Our House KC and The Dub also will remain open, citing weather challenges and responsibilities to their teams.
“We stand in solidarity with those participating,” Our House posted on social media.
The Dub, the first women’s sports bar in Kansas City, said they will donate 10% of their proceeds to immigration aid organizations.
“Staying open to give people a place to gather as a community is a tenet of our mission — we fully respect those businesses that take a different path,” The Dub posted.
Pitchside Coffee, the shop owned by current and former KC Current players, and Hemma Hemma, in Waldo, said they will donate 10% of all proceeds to the AIRRKC.
Pinches Tacos said they will donate 10% of all day’s profits to the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota. “Not everyone can step away from work—but everyone can help,” they wrote on social media.
The Roasterie announced that, from now until Feb. 14, they’re donating $1 from every Sweetheart Mocha to the Immigrant Rapid Response Fund.
The Raven Book Store shared on Facebook the store will participate in the General Strike to protest ICE by being closed Friday and providing its workers a paid day off. The store also said 20% of its online sales from Saturday and Sunday will be donated to Somos Lawrence and Sanctuary Alliance LFK.
"To our neighbors, our comrades, our fellow book lovers, please join us in this day of (in)action... " The Raven said in a Facebook post.
In posts on social media, EB and Co. and Ragazza both shared an intent to remain open Friday and announced plans to donate a portion of their proceeds.
EB and Co. will donate 10% of proceeds from its stores Friday to AIRR Kansas City. Ragazza is donating 10% of its Friday proceeds to Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota.
"Not everyone can strike today, but everyone can still help," Ragazza posted.
On Friday, Christopher Elbow Chocolates shared it will donate 50% of its sales from every drinking chocolate sold in its retail stores to Immigrant Injustice.
"We’ve all seen and felt the heartbreak unfolding in Minneapolis and across the country. People grieving, protesting and calling for respect, dignity and safety for every community member. Tens of thousands have taken to the streets to stand together for justice and empathy, and we stand in solidarity with them," the company said in an Instagram post.
The Fix KC posted it will be open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and is providing free sign-making materials — while supplies last — for those planning to strike.
"We support the nationwide strike and plan to support our community the best way we see possible," The Fix said.
The restaurant also shared it will have free Mexican hot chocolate, and have to-go burritos for purchase, with all profits being donated to AIRR Kansas City.
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