\u201cWe have a lot of back rent. And we have a lot of debt, and so this GoFundMe was kinda a last-ditch effort to see if we can kind of save the business,\u201d said Kelly Kim, whose parents own the cafe.<\/p>\n
The response exceeded expectations.<\/p>\n
What began as expected support from close friends and family quickly grew into a broader community effort as word spread online that the cafe was in danger of closing. Customers have been filling seats, sharing the cafe\u2019s story on social media and finding other ways to help.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are packed all the time, which is kind of crazy to us,\u201d Kim said.<\/p>\n
The support has extended beyond customer traffic. Local businesses have also stepped in, including one company that donated flower baskets to the cafe.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe just had this kinda epiphany of like there is a community out here for us that is willing to support us and willing to support what we do,\u201d Kim said.<\/p>\n
The Deerhead\u2019s struggle comes as restaurants across Canada continue to face financial pressures. Many businesses are still recovering from the pandemic while dealing with inflation, higher operating costs and changing consumer habits.<\/p>\n
Hash Aboulhosn, chief growth officer with Merchant Growth, said the cafe\u2019s fundraising campaign highlights broader challenges facing small business owners seeking financing.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think that story is emblematic of a wider issue that we have with small business funding in Canada,\u201d Aboulhosn said. \u201cOur banking system can be really, really effective at getting certain types of people and certain types of business financing, but if you fall out of that really defined framework then unfortunately you have a really big challenge.\u201d<\/p>\n
Despite the recent surge in support, Kim said the cafe\u2019s future is not yet secure.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s still an uphill climb,\u201d she said, noting the business is not out of the woods yet.<\/p>\n
Still, the renewed demand has given the family hope that the Deerhead can continue operating and return to the bustling atmosphere it enjoyed before the pandemic.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re already having a hard time just keeping up with the demand, which is kinda cool to see, but it also gives a sense of nostalgia that this can be something that we can continue to do and not something we have to give up,\u201d Kim said.<\/p>\n
\t\t\t\t\t![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/DEERHEAD-CAFE.jpg\")
\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n
\t\t\t\tThe Deerhead Cafe on Oct. 2, 2026. (CityNews\/Jillian Code) <\/p>\n
\t\tKeep it Factual<\/p>\n
Add CityNews Calgary as a trusted source on Google to see more local stories from us.<\/p>\n
![\"Add](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/1791003262_882_google-trusted-badge.png\"){kind=icon}