Since 2007, Cafe Hey has been keeping Tampa fueled with breakfast, lunch and coffee 7 days a week. Know for their unique special events, one standout had been their annual Lion Dance celebration. A true cultural asset, this celebration has always offered the community a fun way to authentically celebrate the Chinese New Year.

They hosted this annual event for years, but that tradition ended in 2025. With increased operational costs and tariffs, the business has had to focus all of their time and resources on the day-to-day workings of the restaurant, leaving no extra room for larger special events like the Lion Dance. To alleviate event planing pressure and because I love this event and the family who runs Cafe Hey, I’ve offered (maybe demanded) to help resurrect their annual tradition. This fundraiser will cover the costs to bring in the Lion Dance group to perform (including 3 lions and 1 Buddha), a music team, a blessing of the cafe and photo opportunities for visitors. Let’s help the community ring in the Chinese New Year!