{"id":261174,"date":"2026-04-10T14:44:10","date_gmt":"2026-04-10T14:44:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/261174\/"},"modified":"2026-04-10T14:44:10","modified_gmt":"2026-04-10T14:44:10","slug":"choclate-mama-proprietor-seeking-relief-amid-ongoing-permitting-dispute-complaints-the-eville-eye-news","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/261174\/","title":{"rendered":"Choc\u2019late Mama Proprietor Seeking Relief Amid Ongoing Permitting Dispute, Complaints \u2022 The E’ville Eye News"},"content":{"rendered":"

Choc\u2019late Mama Cookie Co. proprietor Empress Kehinde Koyejo is in an ongoing dispute over zoning and permitting that has forced her to pause operations of her cookie business.<\/p>\n

She has since launched a GoFundMe campaign seeking community support as she works to revive her business and stabilize her housing situation.<\/p>\n

The fundraiser<\/a>, titled \u201cStand With Chocolate Mama Cookie Co.,\u201d is approaching its initial goal. The campaign cites mounting legal expenses and business disruptions tied to complaints and enforcement actions.<\/p>\n

The situation highlights ongoing ambiguity around how Emeryville\u2019s live-work spaces\u2014originally intended for artists\u2014are regulated as small businesses increasingly use them for hybrid retail and food operations.<\/p>\n

\"\"The original space Empress intended to open was on Hubbard St. before the unit was damaged by water intrusion.<\/p>\n

Empress\u2019 problems began when the unit she was initially slated to occupy at The Emery Apartments along Hubbard Street suffered water intrusion, forcing her into a different space within the development.<\/p>\n

The new unit, part of a row of live-work spaces along Sherwin Avenue, sits off the main artery of the complex and typically sees less foot traffic. Despite this, Empress embraced the change, citing advantages that included combining her living space and access to a large patio she hoped to use as an extension of the business.<\/p>\n

Choc\u2019late Mama Cookie Co. opened their doors in ,, offering gluten-free cookies baked off-site. The business drew early community support and brought new activity to the space.<\/p>\n

She later learned the unit was subject to different live-work zoning restrictions than expected, limiting how the space could be used.<\/p>\n

\"\"Empress equipped the large patio space in front of Choc\u2019late Mama Cookie Co. with cafe tables that were frequently activated by customers.<\/p>\n

Just four months later, , she announced a temporary closure pending what she described as an \u201cadministrative review\u201d tied to complaints from neighbors regarding events and use of shared space.<\/p>\n

This triggering scrutiny from both city and county regulators. According to a report by SFGATE<\/a>, Alameda County health inspectors determined Empress lacked required permits to sell food from the unit, while Emeryville officials said live-work zoning rules prohibit full-scale food establishments.<\/p>\n

She was also asked by The Emery building management to remove the caf\u00e9 tables and chairs after initially being given permission.<\/p>\n

During this time, tensions escalated between Empress and a neighbor who claimed they were being intimated by patrons of her business in retaliation to their complaints. Empress refutes these claims.<\/p>\n

Empress brought the issue before the Emeryville City Council during public comment at its , asking for clarity and intervention. \u201cWhat qualifies as a food facility? What qualifies as a retail space?\u201d she said. \u201cWithout clarity, small businesses are left navigating uncertainty instead of operating within stable standards.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"Empress made a plea to city council at the March 17 meeting to help resolve her permitting issues.<\/p>\n

Empress says she has attempted to comply with evolving requirements, including obtaining a microenterprise home kitchen permit (MEHKO), but argues that its restrictions drastically limit her revenue opportunities making it unsustainable. \u201cA MEHKO permit significantly restricts my ability to generate enough revenue to sustain my business,\u201d Empress provided. \u201cThis pivot allows me to operate, but it is not aligned with my original goal of running a cookie shop.\u201d<\/p>\n

The dispute has surfaced broader tensions around Emeryville\u2019s live-work spaces, which were historically intended for artists and craftsmen but are increasingly used for hybrid retail and food concepts. Supporters say Empress\u2019s experience highlights the challenges small businesses face navigating overlapping regulatory systems, while others argue the operation conflicted with residential uses.<\/p>\n

\"\"Empress has attempted to pivot her business model by offering the space for yoga and other uses.<\/p>\n

Now facing debt and potential housing instability for her and her preteen daughter, Empress is seeking public support while exploring options to relocate and continue her business. To date, she says she has invested roughly $35,000 into launching and operating the business.<\/p>\n

Empress has also documented the situation on social media while searching for a path forward. \u201cI keep on looking for ways and asking for solutions to the bigger problem,\u201d she said, \u201cwhich is a disconnect between the city, the county, and management in terms of what exactly a Live-Work is today.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tRelated\n<\/p>\n


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