Rapper Transforms A Bay Area Cafe Into A Pay-What-You-Can Restaurant

Rapper LaRussell of the Bay Area temporarily turned Momo’s Cafe in Vallejo into a “pay-what-you-can” restaurant over the holidays of 2023 to give back to the community. The “Proud 2 Pay Café” project lasted three weeks and is still a prime example of when artists give back to their communities. Customers paid whatever amount they could afford for their meals, with LaRussell covering any remaining costs.

LaRussell, a Vallejo native, has long been recognized for his music and deep-rooted commitment to community service. Starting his rap career at eight, he has become a prominent figure in the Bay Area music scene. In 2017, he founded Good Compenny, an organization dedicated to promoting emerging Bay Area talent and encouraging artists to remain independent.

Transforming Momo’s Cafe

For more than ten years, Momo’s Cafe in Vallejo has thrived as a beloved local staple. Initially, it operated as a traditional restaurant, but LaRussell’s vision temporarily altered its business model. Under the pay-what-you-can system, patrons enjoyed meals and beverages by paying for whatever they could afford. If a customer failed to pay, LaRussell covered the deficit.

LaRussell explained the motivation behind this initiative to NBC Bay Area: “The goal is for people to pay what they can, and if you want to overpay to really support, that’s a great thing, but you pay what you can. We know there are people who can’t pay as well. We have a very high homeless population in Vallejo, and everyone’s not able to pay, but we still want to make sure you eat.”

The pay-what-you-can model, a direct response to the prevalent issue of food insecurity, made a significant difference in Vallejo and beyond. This model ensured that everyone, regardless of their financial situation, could enjoy a hot meal, fostering a sense of community and mutual support. Momo’s Cafe co-owner Manuel Melendrez expressed his excitement about the initiative to ABC7: “It’s a beautiful thing – the community comes out, people come from out of state, as far as San Jose. It brought our community and cities together.”

LaRussell’s commitment to the community is not a one-time effort. During the pandemic, he hosted ‘Proud 2 Pay’ brunches at Momo’s Cafe. This move sustained the business during challenging times and provided a much-needed service to the community. His ongoing partnership with Melendrez has seen the duo organize live shows and other community events, further solidifying their positive impact.