Sept. 1, 2015 By Michael Florio
The owners of Espresso 77, a popular Jackson Heights café that has been open since 2007, started a fundraiser last month to help underwrite the cost of their $120,000 expansion.
Afzal Hossian and Julie Nymann, the owners, have raised a little more than $10,000 since they launched the campaign, representing about 20 percent of their goal of $50,000.
Hossian and Nymann, who plan to double the size of their 35-57 77th Street location, decided to take over the space next door in July.
After signing the lease, the two quickly discovered they required additional capital. They had saved $70,000 for the expansion, but were still in need of another $50,000 to cover the construction costs and restaurant equipment.
The two then launched a fundraising campaign on IndieGoGo.com in hopes of raising the $50,000.
However, Hossian said unlike other fundraising websites, such as Kickstarter, they can keep the money the raise, even if the target is not met.
He is pleased with the amount donated so far, but still thinks the $50,000 goal can be met– despite the fundraiser ending in 18 days.
“We are happy,” Hossian said. “We will get more though. There is still another three weeks.”
Hossian said that even if they don’t reach the $50,000 the expansion will take place. He said they would take out a loan if needed.
The two are hopeful that the expansion will be completed by November.
“Customers are growing antsy,” Hossian said.
“They are very excited that we are expanding,” he said. “They have wanted this for so long.”
The fundraiser can be found at: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/espresso-77-jackson-heights-store-expansion#/story
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2 Comments
Are you kidding me? They are still begging? unbelievable!!!!!! these people are so,so, fake. Rude, nasty, and everything is so $$. Hopefully they will shut down soon.
I agree with you Allergic. They’re not doing this to benefit the community it’s a move to fill their pockets.