If students have a craving for a Po' Boy sandwich with a side of macaroni and cheese next week, they may not be able to get their fix on campus. Last Wednesday, Jessie's Hot House, the on-campus soul food restaurant, broke the news to its patrons, if they don't pay their rent, they could close.

The Student Center Governing Board served the owners of the restaurant with a three-day eviction notice last Wednesday, according to restaurant owner Robert Darden.

Robert and Julissa Darden, whose rent is more than $6,000 a month, opened the restaurant in March 2008 after a 10-year effort of the students to get a soul food restaurant on campus.

Robert, who has been a chef for many years, heard about the opportunity to open a restaurant on campus and jumped at the chance.

Jessie's Hot House, named in honor of Robert's grandmother, had long lines when the restaurant first opened.

"When we did the grand opening the lines were long and people came out," Julissa said. "It gave us this feeling that we were going to be successful and more importantly the students like the food."

"Its hard to know what happened, the lines started getting smaller," she said.

They haven't been able to pay their rent since September, Robert said. They asked for a rent review in November when it became clear they would be unable to continue to pay rent.

"The business isn't bringing in the rent to pay at the costs," said Julissa. "We couldn't afford the rent when we paid it."

The current rent for the space, located in the west plaza of the Cesar Chavez Student Center, costs 50 percent of the revenue that the restaurant brings in.

SF State students have been rallying behind the restaurant, participating in a letter writing campaign organized by the Dardens.

Though the notice was given more then 3 days ago, Jessie's Hot House is still open. They have entered into a new round of negotiations with the Student Center Governing Board.

Members of the Governing Board chose not to comment on the story, saying it is a legal matter they do not wish to discuss.

Guy Dalpe, managing director of the student center, chose to speak to the [X]press, confirming that the student center is in negotiations with Robert and Julissa.

"We've been negotiating with them for quite a while in regards to paying rent and what it is going to be in the future," Dalpe said. "The student center has been making a good faith effort to reach an agreement that is acceptable to all parties."

The Darden family disagrees. According to the flier passed out by Jessie's Hot House, "Student Center management- Guy Dalpe/ Neha Shah- has met with Jessie's Hot House and refuses to create a sustainable rent solution,"

"Jessie's needs a rent that is sustainable to what the business is producing," Robert said.

Neha Shah declined to comment.

Students and faculty began hearing the news on Wednesday when fliers were passed out detailing the restaurants current situation and detailing what action the students could take.

"Because of the importance of soul food on our campus and the campus community, we felt it would be disrespectful to not further inquire about the issue and support Jessie's Hot House in staying on campus," wrote Kristal Brister, a BSU Coordinator, in an e-mail. "Jessie's Hot House is our family and we are going to support our family."

People targeted in the letter writing campaign include Vice President of Student Affairs Penny Saffold, SCGB President John Saadeh and members of the vendor services committee Raul Amaya and Will Flowers.

Amaya and Flowers said they would not comment on the matter. Saffold had not responded by the time this story went to press.

Ellen Griffen, the university spokeswoman, said that Saffold had received 15- 20 emails concerning Jessie's Hot House, but said she is unable to verify these were all students.

"(Students) are the reason Jessie's Hot House is here," Robert said. "We are asking the students rally to save Jessie's from being lost."