Bring Muddy Waters Back to Life — and Thank You for Baobab

First, I want to express my deepest gratitude for all the love and support you’ve shown since we reopened Baobab in September 2022. You came with your hearts, your dancing feet, your stories, and your love for community.

We did everything we could to keep Baobab alive. But after much reflection, we realized that pressing pause is the best path forward until we can secure a new home. This decision hurts deeply. Baobab has been my living room, my classroom, and my heartbeat.

This transition also comes with financial strain, and we need to raise additional capital to begin our next chapter. Getting loans today is incredibly challenging, which is why I’m reaching out once again.

We need you now — and in the months ahead — to help us rebuild Muddy Waters and keep this spirit alive in the Mission.

**Bring Muddy Waters Back to Life

Help Marco Senghor Re-Open 16th & Valencia!**

I’m Marco Senghor, chef/owner of Bissap Baobab and long-time Mission District community advocate. I’ve taken the baton to revive the iconic Muddy Waters Coffee House at 16th & Valencia. After 35 years of serving as the Mission’s living room, the café needs major repairs to preserve this legendary space for generations to come.

We’re raising funds for essential renovations, modern equipment, and much-needed upgrades. Every contribution brings us closer to fresh coffee, live music, and a safe, inclusive home for all.

Our Story

For more than three decades, Muddy Waters anchored the corner of 16th and Valencia — a refuge for artists, activists, night owls, organizers, musicians, and neighbors. The café celebrated 28 years back in 2018, a reminder of how deeply it is woven into Mission culture.

But years of deferred maintenance, compounded by the pandemic, took their toll.

When word spread that new ownership was coming, the neighborhood lit up. People hoped the soul of Muddy Waters would remain, but with the facelift it long deserved.

I heard that call. As a Senegalese-French restaurateur and founder of beloved Mission institutions like Bissap Baobab and Little Baobab, I’ve spent 30 years creating spaces where culture, community, and cuisine meet. Reviving Muddy Waters is my next chapter — and I cannot do it without you.

Why We Need Funds

The space we inherited has charm, memory, and history — but it needs serious love. To bring Muddy Waters back to life and meet all health, safety, and accessibility codes, our renovation plan includes:

Structural and safety upgrades

Full electrical re-wiring for safe, energy-efficient lighting

New exterior windows and improved façade

A completely rebuilt espresso bar

Pastry refrigeration, dish-pit, and updated café equipment

New furniture, fixtures, and local artwork

Permits, inspections, and a small contingency fund

Your support will help us create a space the Mission deserves.

How You Can Help

Donate what you can. Even the cost of one cup of coffee pushes construction forward.

Share the campaign on social media, group chats, and neighborhood boards.

️ Volunteer your skills. Electricians, muralists, carpenters, musicians — we would love to collaborate.

A Future Worth Brewing

Muddy Waters has always been more than a café. It has been a home for poetry, immigrant stories, first dates, organizing meetings, and art. With your support, the renewed Muddy Waters will become:

☀️ A coffeehouse by day

Locally dark-roasted beans, fresh pastries, dependable Wi-Fi, and a warm space to work, rest, or gather.

A cultural hub by night

Live West African and international rhythms, comedy nights, spoken word, and wine-bar vibes.

Saturday Nights with Baobab Productions

Bringing the soul of Baobab into Muddy Waters — music, culture, dance, and community under one roof.

What’s New: Introducing the World’s First Mission FUFU Mosaico

We’re proud to introduce Mosaico, a dish born between Dakar and the Mission — blending African, Afro-Caribbean, Latin, and San Francisco cultures. Plantain from my childhood, corn inspired by my neighbors on 24th St (Papa Lote), and a little rebellion from my heart.

This is not Fufu.

This is Mosaico: SF + Africa + Latin America + the Mission on one plate.

We’re inviting everyone to try the World’s First Mission FUFU Mosaico at the new Muddy Waters.

A New Song for a New Chapter: “Debout comme un Baobab”

As a former DJ and beat maker, I’m releasing a new track under my DJ name, Petit Zeng.

“Debout comme un Baobab” releases on December 19 on iTunes for less than $2.

Please listen, download, and spread the word — this is another meaningful way to support the vision.

(Who knows… Marco may start DJing again!)

Pre-order here:

https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/petitzeng/debout-comme-un-baobab

With gratitude and hustle,

Marco Senghor

Owner & Operator, Muddy Waters at 16th & Valencia + Bissap Baobab