12/06/2025
Urgent Community Alert. What Is Happening In Westport Cannot Be Ignored.
In early 2023, a close colleague contacted me because his business was facing unexpected pressure from his landlords and the C.I.D. They told him he had to change his business model even though he had already been operating successfully for more than a year. They even removed a member of his team and created conflict that led to the end of his partnership.
In April 2023, he asked me to join him and help rebuild. He was behind on bills and at risk of losing everything he had invested. From April through July, we worked together and hosted several events and mixers with professionals from multiple industries.
The rent was $7,200 per month. I recommended expanding our revenue sources. Our plan was to operate as an event space, a creative marketing hub for artists of all forms, host our own events, and create a joint venture with the KC Daiquiri Shop.
The Joint Venture and Landlord Approval
In July 2023, the KC Daiquiri Shop and their attorney agreed to the partnership. Together, we attended multiple meetings with the landlords. During these meetings, the landlords said the concept was solid and would bring valuable food diversity to the district. They believed the Creole and New Orleans style menu could increase foot traffic and business.
Based on their support, I paid off 95% of the existing debt with plans to bring the entire balance to zero at the final lease signing meeting.
When the final meeting arrived, our companies, Untapped KC and KC Daiquiri Shop Bistreaux, showed up fully prepared with the required documents, funding, and a clear plan for success.
The landlords did not attend. Instead, they texted my partner privately and asked him to step out to speak with them. They did not notify everyone present that he was communicating with them. They suddenly announced that they were no longer interested in our business plan or the pro forma they had previously approved.
Obstruction, Harassment, and Discrimination Concerns
We attempted to continue without the KC Daiquiri Shop since the landlords suggested that we apply for our liquor license. We later discovered emails that showed an effort to block us from receiving that license.
Problems continued to escalate.
• The Fire Department reduced our occupancy from 180 people to 80 people. During a conversation, the Fire Chief mentioned being close friends with landlord Matt Voss.
• The landlords accused us of using “Black Militants” as security for our events even though we hired a respected and legally operating company, Bounce Back Security.
• During a conference call that I personally arranged, the landlords repeated the same statement that was reported to us earlier. They said, “If we allow you to open and bring the Daq Shop, you will cannibalize the Westport district and cause the other businesses to close or leave.” They repeatedly made comments about not wanting “our crowd” even though our events were attended by a diverse group of people. This included White, Indian, Spanish, and African American guests. We have footage that proves this.
I submitted a formal discrimination grievance. In my opinion, it was not taken seriously.
After losing more than fifty thousand dollars, I had to regroup and stay focused on rebuilding.
A Pattern Emerges
Months later, a childhood friend contacted me. He had heard about my experience in Westport and said he had just gone through the exact same treatment. He paid fees and signed a lease and was still denied the location because of his affiliation with a local marketing team that was promoting his grand opening.
Around the same time, D Mario Gray, who shares mutual relatives with me, reported being forced out under similar circumstances. This created three separate cases involving African American entrepreneurs who experienced the same discriminatory actions.
The Westport district still has zero African American owned businesses. The pattern is clear.
This Must End
The NAACP and the Urban League have officially joined us. Now we need the support of Kansas City.
PROTEST DETAILS
Monday, December 8, 2025 @ 2:00 PM
Location: Holy Brunch, Westport District
We are three small businesses standing together against a group of powerful decision makers who continue to block Black ownership and economic opportunity. We are asking Kansas City to stand with us. David defeated Goliath before. We can do it again.
