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sreal Adeyanju and his friend Samuel Osei‑Afriyie jointly own Kọ Café, a West African‑themed coffee shop in New Jersey. When the café first opened in 2023, Adeyanju paid $1,400 a month to lease the space. Seeing the 3,600‑sq‑ft building—complete with two upstairs apartments—go on the market, the pair decided to buy it instead of risking a steep rent increase. With backing from investors, they purchased the property for $740,000, taking an 85 % stake while the investors hold the remaining 15 %.

    The café draws locals with its menu of coffee, tea, smoothies, sandwiches, samosas and Nigerian meat pies, and it hosts community events such as open‑mic nights, live podcast recordings and workshops on homeownership and career development. The two apartments above the shop, each a three‑bedroom, two‑bath unit, were initially listed on Airbnb. Since 2024 they have shifted to short‑term rentals, generating over $100,000 in revenue that helps cover the mortgage.

    Adeyanju says the Airbnb income isn’t about quick riches; it’s a steady stream that sustains the business, the building, and long‑term wealth. When buying property with a friend, he stresses that trust is paramount. “If something goes wrong, you’ll have someone to lean on,” he notes. They opened a zero‑interest credit card to fund renovations and ongoing maintenance, relying on reserves to avoid out‑of‑pocket expenses.

    Clear role definitions and compensation plans also keep the partnership smooth. Initially, both managed the property together, but Adeyanju’s flexible schedule led him to take on most day‑to‑day duties. They agreed on a management fee to compensate for his sweat equity. Aligning on a shared vision was equally critical; both understood the investment was not just for portfolio growth but for securing the café’s future.

    Before closing the deal, they meticulously mapped out cost splits, repair responsibilities, and a potential exit strategy. Though they don’t plan to sell soon, they have a contingency plan ready. The café’s success, the building’s appreciation, and the steady Airbnb income combine to create a resilient business model that balances community engagement with smart real‑estate strategy.