Just days after the counter-culture bookstore Mutiny Information Cafe in Denver, Colo., was seized by the city over back taxes totaling $35,000, owners Jim Norris and Matt Megyesi have raised $57,620 through a crowdfunding campaign.
Norris told the Denver Gazette that the new and used bookstore and coffee shop could reopen within a week. "We are humbled and relieved," he said. "We know that we have our work cut out for us honoring all these good people who donated. We are excited to get back to work doing what we do. Thank you, Denver."
The city seized the store on Thursday, and on Friday morning the Mutiny team launched a GoFundMe campaign with the help of organizer Kyle Sutherland. Within a day, 925 donors contributed more than $50,000.
Mutiny's troubles began with the forced closures and other restrictions earlier in the pandemic, Norris noted. The bookstore was already struggling to recover from those and other difficulties when co-owner Megyesi had a near-fatal heart attack earlier this year. Norris called Megyesi's recovery "miraculous but slow," and while Megyesi recovered, Norris lost track of the city's demands for payment. After only two notices, the city seized the bookstore.
Norris added that Mutiny's staff has been fully paid and the shop is now current on all other debts.
In addition to selling books and coffee, Mutiny offers comic books, records, posters and pinball machines. It's also a stand-up comedy venue and hosts author readings, movie screenings, live music and magic shows.