Shakeira Turner, the owner and chef of “Chubby Chicks” restaurant, had high hopes when she relocated her business from Blackwood, New Jersey, to Philadelphia’s Old City district in December 2024.
Specializing in brunch, the restaurant aimed to bring a fresh dining experience to the neighborhood. However, instead of receiving a warm welcome, Turner found herself in the middle of a bitter dispute with local residents.
Allegations of harassment, sabotage, and even racism have surfaced, with some neighbors going as far as leaving dead rats on the restaurant’s doorstep in an apparent attempt to drive her out.
A Rocky Start in Philadelphia
Turner had operated “Chubby Chicks” in New Jersey, where the restaurant received mixed reviews. Despite this, she believed the move to Philadelphia would be an opportunity for growth.
The Old City district, known for its historic significance and upscale dining scene, seemed like an ideal location for her business. However, almost immediately after opening, she encountered hostility from the local community.
Neighbors complained about noise levels, despite the fact that the restaurant only operated during daytime hours and closed by 3 p.m. While Turner admitted that the establishment hosted karaoke sessions, she denied claims that loud music was being played late at night.
Despite her efforts to address concerns, complaints continued to escalate. She recounted how false accusations were made to her landlord, including claims that she or her staff were on the roof of a nearby building at 2 a.m. Such statements, Turner argued, were completely fabricated and aimed at creating trouble for her business.
"Chubby Chicks," a new Black owned restaurant in Philly, is receiving harassment and hate from neighbors who don't want a Black owned business in the neighborhood. If you live in Philadelphia, please support this business and share it far and wide. I truly hope she can receive… pic.twitter.com/UE3HOCQoLs
— Nicole's View 🇺🇲 (@BLKLiberation84) February 19, 2025
The most alarming aspect of the backlash, however, was the series of disturbing acts targeting the restaurant. Turner revealed that dead rats were left outside “Chubby Chicks” on multiple occasions. Initially, she thought it was an unfortunate coincidence, but the incidents continued, occurring daily.
The deliberate nature of the act suggested that someone was actively trying to scare her away. In addition to the rats, Turner also accused neighbors of intentionally leaving bread outside the restaurant to attract mice, further exacerbating potential health concerns.
Acts of Harassment and Racial Undertones
Beyond the physical sabotage, Turner also faced verbal hostility from some residents. She shared an incident in which she was directly confronted and insulted, with someone questioning how she had managed to establish a business in such a neighborhood.
The individual went as far as insinuating that she had financed the restaurant using money from a “drug dealer baby daddy.” The comment, Turner said, was not only offensive but also indicative of underlying racial prejudices she believes are fueling the pushback against her business.
Additional acts of vandalism and disruption followed. Turner claimed that her restaurant’s bathroom had been flooded multiple times, signs were stolen, and food was left at her back door in an apparent attempt to attract pests.
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The ongoing hostility took a significant toll on her, not just as a business owner but as a person who had built her restaurant from the ground up without financial assistance from banks or investors.
As the conflict escalated, Turner’s story caught the attention of Dr. Afia, a Philadelphia-based content creator with a following of 75,000 on Instagram. In a video shared on social media, Afia highlighted Turner’s struggles and called for community support.
She emphasized the lack of Black-owned businesses in Philadelphia’s Center City and criticized the treatment Turner was receiving. The video struck a chord with many viewers, who pledged to visit “Chubby Chicks” in solidarity.
“We don’t have nearly enough Black-owned businesses in Center City, but instead of celebrating her arrival, residents have battled over ‘Chubby Chicks’ existence, making it clear that she is not welcome,” Afia stated in her video. “Some have gone as far as suggesting that she find another location that would be a ‘better fit.’”
Community Support and the Future of “Chubby Chicks”
The outpouring of support following Afia’s video provided a glimmer of hope for Turner. Patrons from across Philadelphia began visiting the restaurant, showing their support for the business and its owner.
Messages of encouragement flooded social media, with many people condemning the treatment Turner had endured. Some customers even made it a point to dine at “Chubby Chicks” as an act of defiance against those attempting to drive it out.
Despite the growing support, the hostile environment remained a major challenge. Turner was forced to consider whether staying in Old City was worth the continued harassment. Ultimately, she made the difficult decision to seek a new location for “Chubby Chicks.”
While the move was disappointing, Turner remained determined to keep her business alive. She expressed gratitude for the support she had received and assured her customers that “Chubby Chicks” would continue to serve its signature brunch dishes at a new location.
Turner’s experience in Philadelphia serves as a stark reminder of the challenges that Black-owned businesses often face, particularly in neighborhoods where they are not always welcomed.
While the resistance she encountered was disheartening, the rallying of community members and supporters demonstrated the power of collective action in standing against discrimination and unfair treatment.
As she prepares for the next chapter of her business, Turner remains hopeful that her new location will offer a fresh start, free from the hostility and obstacles she faced in Old City. Regardless of the challenges, she remains committed to her vision, determined to prove that “Chubby Chicks” can thrive despite the adversity it has faced.
let’s enjoy few years on earth with peace and happiness….✍🏼🙏