Cheryl’s Global Soul, a beloved restaurant in Prospect Heights, is asking its community for support amid recent financial hardships as it celebrates its 20th anniversary.
In late February of 2025, owner Cheryl Smith originally took to social media to discuss the hardships the restaurant was facing and created a GoFundMe page. Then, on July 1 of this year, Smith took to Instagram calling again for additional support from the community in order to renew the restaurant's lease.
“I’m in the middle of renegotiating a new lease and it looks like we have to come up with quite a sum to secure our space here,” Smith admitted in the July 1 Instagram video. “I know this isn’t just to support my dream and my passion of being Cheryl’s Global, but I know that we have a lot of people that are also as in love with this place as I am.”
The GoFundMe also discusses how rising grocery costs, credit card fees and decline in people dining in have taken a toll on the restaurant.
The business opened in 2006 at 236 Underhill Ave. and is situated near Grand Army Plaza, the Central Brooklyn Public Library and Prospect Park. The menu features classic American brunch options like fish and chips, brioche French toast and the restaurant’s famous buttermilk pancakes. Multicultural lunch/dinner options include a coconut curry wing bowl, Korean BBQ wings and a Moroccan spice vegetable bowl.
The menu is an ode to her diverse culinary background. Smith began cooking for family and friends and then branched out to own a catering service, which also led to her becoming the executive chef at Marion's Restaurant and A Go-Go Catering in Manhattan. In 2001, Smith hosted her own television show called "The Melting Pot" on Food Network before opening her own restaurant.
As of Aug. 5, the campaign has raised more than $76,000, reaching nearly 85 % of its $90,000 fundraising goal. More than 1,000 donors have contributed, with individual gifts ranging up to $5,000. However, no recent updates have been provided regarding the renewal of the lease.
The restaurant has become a community gathering place, earning more than a 4-star rating on Google Reviews. It regularly serves as a venue for local artists and community events, while also hosting personal celebrations such as anniversaries and birthdays.
Since posting the video, comments tagging food influencers, news platforms and messages filled with love and support have flooded in from patrons of the space.
“I’ve been coming to Cheryl’s since I turned 21. I'm in my 30’s now,” Sherden Sampson commented on the social media video. “Cheryl’s will always be a staple in my life and the neighborhood!”
Smith said people can support by coming in to dine at the restaurant or by following and liking the social media page to build awareness.
You can visit Cheryl’s Global Soul at 236 Underhill Ave. or donate to the GoFundMe page here.
