HELP SAVE SOUTH STREET'S ICONIC COPABANANA

Copabanana South Street

Needs your help!

Pennsylvania's longstanding restaurant on South Street is dedicated to memories of Philadelphia’s great era and is resolved to return to the glory days, but COPA needs the public’s help. Standing firm in their belief that COPA will continue to weather the storm of conditions that have plagued the country, the city and Philadelphia’s South Street district. Covid and the city and state-mandated restrictions, Riots and city unrest and this summer’s mass shooting have destroyed South Street and killed businesses. Copa has dropped 75% after the shooting and has not bounced back yet. The restaurant currently only operates at half capacity, which does not work when you pay high south street rent. It was one thing to close for Covid and reinvent itself as an outdoor venue but the mass exodus of patrons on south st. after the shootings is another thing.

During this period Copa did not receive any government assistance. No SBA money. No RRF money, but were promised over a Million in funds. Promised 1.7 million from the SBA and 774K from the RRF and received nothing and even enlisted our Congressman’s office and they tried to help. The fact that this restaurant has survived is simply AMAZING and shows their determination to stay open and keep the spirit of South Street fun times alive.

Mr. Curry, founder and still an owner and longstanding ambassador for the restaurant and area is ill, and the staff has taken up his drive and determination to keep this proud restaurant and group of outstanding servers, wait staff and general manager going on despite the HUGE CHALLENGES they face. During this time the restaurant has fallen behind on COVID-related rent, mortgages and business expenses. Copa has tried to work with most creditors and some work things out and some don't care. So Copa needs your help

COPABANANA on South Street was one of the first restaurants to open back in 1978 when South Street was a wasteland. COPA became very popular due to Mr. Curry and his team. One of the first restaurants in Phila serving fresh squeezed lime margaritas and the best gourmet Burgers.

Copa welcomed everyone into the melting pot of south street and that has never changed. A street full of diversity and all were welcome at the Copa. Generations of customers coming to South St., grandparents, parents and their children and even some grandchildren have come to Copa for the good times of a Great Burger and some Spanish fries. Famous people like politicians, past Mayors, past Governors, artists, performers, actors and the man next door came for Copa Burgers and Margaritas and all had a great time and mixed with the locals like one happy family.

That feeling needs to come back to South Street and Philadelphia. Thrillist was at Copa filming a spot because Copabanana is one of Jay-Z's favorite places in Phila. back in the day.

While Copa starts to reconnect with friends of the past they would like to start to collect your best stories or memories of Copa during its heyday. Once these stories are compiled, they will be published for the next generation will know about the fun and good times that were had on South Street at the COPA. Please send in your stories.

Funds generated here will be used to re-energize the location, and catch up on past-due rent, mortgage payments and loan payments. Legal expense and such. Purchase much-needed inventory. Hire and train much-needed staff and retain them. Modernize antiquated equipment, repair and maintain mechanical, repair the broken windows from the riots and the shooting and give the location a facelift. It's been almost 3 years of hell on South Street. Also, a portion of the funds will be earmarked and used to pay the out-of-pocket cost of Home healthcare for the founder who is confined to his home. (5 to 10%) depending on the monthly needs. Copa is also looking for tradesmen and such who rather donate time and service in helping to get the place back to 100%

Please note that many other restaurants are in the same situation that Copa is in. Approximately 200,000 other restaurants across the country are in the same predicament of not getting any federal help. Most of these restaurants will close this winter because the government can't figure out what they are doing. Close to 200 Million Dollars sit in an RRF account, but the messed up government we have today can't figure out what to do. Copa is a member of the Independent restaurant Coalition. Check out the coalition and see how you can help or at least contact congress or your state representative and ask them what are they doing on this issue. Don't be surprised by an automated email back to you telling you all the great things they are doing.

Copa thanks you in advance for reading this and possibly stopping in for a burger or a margarita.