The entrepreneurial journey of Latasha ‘Tootie’ Reed-Hopkins took an unexpected turn when she was served with an eviction notice just weeks after opening her dream business, Tootie’s Cafe and Catering in Northwest Tallahassee. The foreclosure of the building she leased has left her in a precarious situation, challenging the validity of her lease and her plans for the future.
Reed-Hopkins’ story is one of resilience and determination, as she had invested thousands of dollars into her new venture, only to face an unforeseen obstacle that threatens to derail her progress. Her experience serves as a cautionary tale for other small business owners, highlighting the importance of due diligence and thorough research.
The Dream and the Reality
Opening Tootie’s Cafe and Catering in April was the culmination of a lifelong dream for Reed-Hopkins. ‘My dreams are finally coming true,’ she shared, expressing her excitement and the opportunity it presented for her grown sons. ‘I can afford them an opportunity to know what it’s like to not struggle,’ she added, reflecting on the personal significance of her business.
However, the reality of her situation became apparent when she received a termination notice from the new property manager. The notice stated that her lease was invalid due to the building’s change of ownership following a foreclosure. Reed-Hopkins had signed the lease on February 23 with Lisa Washington, whom she believed was managing the property for Eusebio Coterillo.
The Lease Controversy
The controversy surrounding Reed-Hopkins’ lease has raised questions about the responsibilities of property managers and the protections available to small business owners. In a viral social media post, Reed-Hopkins expressed her frustration, stating, ‘after just 1 month, I have had my dreams shattered after basically being scammed.’
The termination letter from the new property owners cited public records showing that Knox Tallahassee LLC had been administratively dissolved before the lease was executed. Washington initially claimed that Reed-Hopkins ‘was not scammed’ and had entered into a contract with a private owner of the building. However, the property management company did not respond to requests for comment.
The Community Responds
The news of Tootie’s Cafe’s potential closure has resonated with the local community, with customers expressing their support and concern. Yarnell Mathis, a friend and customer, shared her sadness, stating, ‘It just saddens me because she’s just trying to make a honest living. And when you see someone honest work as hard as Tootie, of course you’re going to kind of be upset.’
Reed-Hopkins is now seeking help to cover moving costs and find a new location for her business. She hopes that her experience can serve as a lesson for other small business owners, emphasizing the importance of verifying credentials and conducting thorough research before signing any contracts.
As the deadline for vacating the premises approaches on June 15, Reed-Hopkins remains determined to overcome this challenge and continue pursuing her dreams. Her story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of community support in the face of adversity.
