Black-Owned KC Daiquiri Shop Announces Closure Amid Growing Crisis for Black Businesses in Kansas City

KANSAS CITY, MO – Beloved Black restaurant “KC Daiquiri Shop,” known for hosting some of the most popular events in the city, its cajun dishes and of course, its signature daiquiris, announced its impending closure earlier this morning. The news comes as a devastating blow, not only to the restaurant’s loyal patrons but to the broader Black business ecosystem in Kansas City.

“It is with a heavy heart that we announce the closing of our beloved KC Daiquiri Shop on December 1st,” wrote owners Calvin and Kinley in a heartfelt statement. “After six incredible years of serving you, this decision has not come lightly. We have faced a slow economy, challenges with local and state government, and ongoing legal battles with neighboring businesses that have been less than supportive.”

KC Daiquiri Shop is the fifth Black-owned restaurant forced to close its doors in 2024 alone, highlighting a broader crisis of economic and systemic pressures disproportionately affecting Black entrepreneurs in the city.

For years, the Daiquiri Shop served as a pillar of the community. Its unique concept made it one of a kind in the city, and its closure leaves a void that will not easily be filled.

The owners announcement letter went on to say;

“Throughout our journey, we have been proud to provide not just delicious food and drinks, but also a place where our community could gather, connect, and celebrate. We have created jobs, offered opportunities to second-chance felons and our displaced citizens, and continued to foster a sense of belonging that we hope has enriched your lives as much as it has enriched ours.

While this chapter is coming to a close, we want to emphasize that this is not the end. It is a chance for us to regroup, reflect, and rebuild. We believe in the resilience of our community and the power of support we have always shared. We trust that this moment will lead to new beginnings and opportunities for us all.

Thank you for the love, support, and memories over the years. We will carry the spirit of the DaqShop and the connections we’ve made into whatever comes next. Keep an eye out for what lies ahead—we are excited for the future!

With gratitude and hope,

Calvin & Kinley,
Owners KC Daiquiri Shop”

The closure of KC Daiquiri Shop is part of a deeply concerning trend for Kansas City’s Black restaurant community, which has weathered relentless challenges—from economic instability to the ongoing legacy of systemic racism that makes it far more difficult for Black business owners to sustain their businesses in the long-term.

Black-owned businesses, especially restaurants, have long been under-supported by local government and disproportionately targeted in disputes (the Daiquiri shop was often the victim of racial targeting), leaving them vulnerable to closures despite their cultural and economic significance.

As Calvin and Kinley prepare to turn the page on this chapter, they leave behind a legacy of resilience, love, and community.

Despite the melancholy fact of the moment, we still believe Calvin and Kinley: this is not the end, but an opportunity to rebuild stronger.

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