Kravings Kafe: A Unique Café Experience in Brooklyn Amid Challenges

Kravings Kafe, a black and Haitian-owned café in Brooklyn, offers fresh, preservative-free treats since September 2023. Founded by Elveda Dorce and Zayveon Kimble, the café emphasizes health-conscious offerings and cultural pride while navigating significant challenges, including decreased foot traffic and limited support for minority entrepreneurs. After revitalizing their business through social media exposure, they aim for growth in both community support and operational capacity.

Kravings Kafe, a distinctive black and Haitian-owned café located in Mill Basin, Brooklyn, has been delighting customers with fresh, preservative-free treats since its inception in September 2023. Founded by Elveda Dorce and Zayveon Kimble, this café embodies a legacy for their children while introducing an innovative dining experience to the community. The name ‘Kravings Kafe’ holds personal significance for the couple, representing their sons Kai and Kam, and soon, their daughter Kapri.

Initially sparked by their children’s fondness for ice cream, Dorce and Kimble envisioned an ice cream shop. However, their concept evolved upon discovering the art of rolled ice cream and the captivating 2D café designs prevalent in Asia and Africa. They sought to establish a distinctly Brooklyn version of a 2D café, emphasizing high-quality, fresh ingredients and immersive visuals.

Differing from conventional ice cream parlors, Kravings Kafe prioritizes healthful options. “Everything we use has no preservatives or additives,” stated Dorce, highlighting the café’s commitment to quality. Their ice cream, made fresh, retains its texture longer than typical varieties that often contain preservatives. Additionally, they prepare acai bowls using a rolled ice cream machine, providing a unique texture that sets them apart from pre-made alternatives.

Despite a promising start, challenges arose as foot traffic unexpectedly dwindled in the spring of 2023. Dorce shared, “In June 2023, we saw a lot of families and potential customers passing by,” which shifted dramatically later in the year. The café, along with neighboring businesses, began experiencing financial strain, and the owners confronted personal challenges, including a high-risk pregnancy.

After facing the heart-wrenching decision to temporarily close the café in December due to mounting expenses, Kravings Kafe revived its fortunes in January 2024 after gaining exposure on social media. Recognition from influencers attracted both celebrity visits and community support, propelling the café back into the spotlight. However, operational challenges persisted as they navigated staffing shortages while caring for their three children.

Dorce emphasized ongoing difficulties faced by Black entrepreneurs, noting limited support from various local organizations. “Other ethnicities often have more access to resources,” she stated, reflecting on disparities in assistance available to them. In spite of these obstacles, the couple remains hopeful, aspiring to expand their brand into a franchise that not only serves delicious offerings but also embraces cultural pride.

To foster community support, Kravings Kafe is currently offering a 10% discount for patrons who mention this article, inviting locals to experience their vision firsthand. “We still believe in our vision,” remarked Dorce, reinforcing her commitment to their business and the community.

Kravings Kafe stands as a testament to resilience and community support amid challenges faced by Black entrepreneurs. Founders Elveda Dorce and Zayveon Kimble have successfully carved out a niche in the Brooklyn dining scene, offering unique, preservative-free treats while honoring their family’s legacy. Despite struggles with foot traffic and financial strains, their optimistic outlook and innovative concepts position them for a promising future in their community.

Original Source: www.caribbeanlife.com