(KTLA) – Footage shows the moment juvenile business owners fall victim to a racist tirade from a man in Altadena, California.
Owners Ka-Ibigan Cafe set up his coffee cart on the street in front of his home after receiving permission to open a store. The shop serves drinks inspired by Filipino and Mexican fusion flavors.
The store had only been open for a few days when on Monday a neighbor suddenly approached them and started shouting at the business owners, hurling racist insults.
Footage of the confrontation shows the man approaching the family and angrily saying: “Maybe you could open a brothel, that would be good too, or a meth lab. Maybe you could open something else that’s illegal.”
Customers order coffee from Ka-Ibigan Cafe, a coffee shop set up in the Altadena neighborhood, July 9, 2024. (KTLA) Newborn entrepreneurs at Ka-Ibigan Cafe serve handmade coffee drinks in Altadena. (KTLA) Newborn entrepreneurs from Ka-Ibigan Cafe talk to KTLA on July 9, 2024 A man is caught on video hurling a racist rant at a coffee shop in Altadena on July 8, 2024. (Ka-Ibigan Cafe) A man is caught on video hurling a racist rant at a coffee shop in Altadena on July 8, 2024. (Ka-Ibigan Coffee Shop) Customers enjoy drinks at the Ka-Ibigan Cafe in Altadena on July 9, 2024. (KTLA) Newborn entrepreneurs at Ka-Ibigan Cafe serve handmade coffee drinks in Altadena. (KTLA) Newborn entrepreneurs at Ka-Ibigan Cafe serve handmade coffee drinks in Altadena. (KTLA) Customers enjoy drinks at the Ka-Ibigan Cafe in Altadena on July 9, 2024. (KTLA) Customers enjoy drinks at the Ka-Ibigan Cafe in Altadena on July 9, 2024. (KTLA) Customers enjoy drinks at the Ka-Ibigan Cafe in Altadena on July 9, 2024. (KTLA) A man is caught on video hurling a racist rant at a coffee shop in Altadena on July 8, 2024. (Ka-Ibigan Cafe)
He is later heard shouting, “You’re breaking the law!”
The family said they calmly explained that they had a license, but the man refused to listen and threatened to take legal action against them.
“He was raising his hands and pointing at me,” said Jennifer Schweitzer, the mother of the company’s owners.
The juvenile owners of the coffee stand admit that they worked demanding to open their premises after obtaining the appropriate permits and licenses for food trading.
Initially, they set up shop in their driveway with a table. As residents and neighbors continued to support their business, they eventually purchased a compact trailer where they could prepare and serve drinks to customers.
“We just have a dream and a plan and we’re trying to make it happen,” said Marina Solis, co-owner of the cafe.
According to the cart owners, the man later returned and apologized but continued to make racist comments toward the family, saying he was surprised to see how well their business was doing in a predominantly white neighborhood.
Cart owners said they were stunned and disturbed by the entire confrontation.
“The fact that it’s down the street from where we are was a little scary,” said neighbor Fatan Tchelepi. “I thought, ‘Oh my God, this is in the neighborhood,’ so it’s pretty uncomfortable.”
After video of the confrontation was published on social media, Ka-Ibigan Coffee Cart We have seen tremendous support from the community and a noticeable enhance in customer numbers.
“I know the drive and what it’s all about,” said patron Askan Emami. “It’s so stimulating to have an idea and want to share it with people, and to have people show you love. When I drove by, I was just super joyful to see them here.”
The cart owners said they were shaken by the incident but remain committed to pursuing their dreams and offering the best products to a growing number of true customers.
They also hope to earn enough money to eventually buy a generator so their cart can operate in different locations. Their ultimate goal is to earn enough money to open a brick-and-mortar location.
