05/08/2026
Help Us Stay Open — Support Our Legal Fight
Dear Friends, Customers, and Community,
We never imagined we would be in this position, but today we are humbly asking for your help.
For over two years, our family-owned coffee shop, M&K Trolley Espresso, has faced ongoing harassment and legal attacks from a competing business.
Last year, repeated complaints against us led to us being forced to close temporarily, even though we had complied with all requirements from both the county and the town from the very beginning. That closure caused devastating financial strain on our family and business, and we have been working tirelessly ever since just to recover and stay afloat.
Now, just as we were beginning to get back on our feet, this is happening all over again.
We were recently served with a federal lawsuit filed by that same competing business. The allegations are public record for anyone who wishes to review them.
Part of the lawsuit seeks an injunction to shut us down again while the case moves through court. Our small business cannot survive another closure.
The emotional and financial stress this has caused our family has been overwhelming. Behind the scenes, this battle has affected every part of our lives — our business, our finances, our peace, and our family. Only God and a few close friends truly know how difficult this journey has been.
Because this case is in federal court, the legal costs are extremely high and the process is far more complicated than a normal case. We strongly believe this lawsuit was purposefully filed in federal court to make it almost impossible for us to fight back financially and to push us toward bankruptcy.
We explored every possible option, including representing ourselves, only to learn that in federal court in North Carolina, a business cannot represent itself without a licensed attorney. In other words, we are legally required to hire an attorney in order to defend ourselves and keep our business open.
Thankfully, we were connected with an attorney who has shown great compassion toward our situation and understands the seriousness of what we are facing. He has generously tried to work with us on costs, but the legal expenses are still far beyond what we can currently afford.
With no other choice, we are turning to our community for help.
If you feel led to support us, please consider donating. No amount is too small, and every contribution will go directly toward legal fees and defending our ability to remain open and continue serving our community.
We will also be organizing fundraisers, community events, and merchandise giveaways at the trolley in the coming months.
If you would like to participate, donate items, or help in any way, please reach out to us directly.
If you are unable to donate, sharing this fundraiser with others would mean just as much to us.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your prayers, encouragement, kindness, and all the support you’ve shown during one of the hardest seasons of our lives.
Your belief in us truly means more than words can express.
With love and gratitude,
M&K Trolley Espresso Family
https://gofund.me/590931532
