The Iconic Café — made famous for refusing to open to police officers during the Freedom Convoy protests in Ottawa — is now being forced to close its doors..The latest post on the Iconic Café Facebook page says the shop will be temporarily shut down..“Due to unseen circumstances, we are having to temporarily shut down. Big thank you to everyone who’s donated to help us out. We will keep you updated as we overcome this speed bump. God Bless,” said the owners in the post..The small café, just four blocks from Parliament Hill, faced backlash from police for staying open during the protests in Ottawa and serving food and coffee to protesters..The Western Standard spoke briefly to owner Enrico Kuhn on Tuesday who was reluctant to talk and said he is wary of the media..Kuhn, who owns the café with his wife Deborah, said they have to be out by the 24th of March and was busy getting the place in order..Kuhn said he would not even consider accepting any financial support from the government to keep his business afloat..“Then he owns you,” said Kuhn referring to the Trudeau government’s bailout money earmarked for struggling businesses..“I’m a free Canadian and I don’t want to be owned by a corporation,” said Kuhn..The couple were instructed on February 20 to let police in to inspect their establishment, but refused. The altercation was recorded and posted on Facebook which went viral..During the altercation, police told the couple their window would be smashed and they would be arrested for staying open during the protests in Ottawa, but eventually backed off..“I’m not opening the door. I don’t trust you,” said Enrico through the glass..“This is my property, I can decide who I let on here.”.He explained the police later claimed they were there for inspection and threatened to take away his business licence for life..“They don’t have a warrant, and they want to inspect, inspect what? That was an excuse. Inspection is never done on the weekend, only on weekdays,” said Enrico..Enrico said despite the bullying and scaring tactics, his faith kept him strong and he was not afraid..Daniel Bordman posted a picture of the owners in a tweet on February 20..“They have been open for business during the #freedomconvoy22,” said Bordman in the tweet..“Now they want to put them in jail for serving the truckers. They said they will not give in, what they do is for their country and freedom all over the world.”.Kuhn did not explain why he was temporarily closing his business, but some are suggesting on social media the owners are behind on rent and are being evicted by the building owner..Melanie Risdon is a reporter with the Western Standard.,.mrisdon@westernstandardonline.com
