Meet The Owner – Catalyst Cafe

Editor’s note: MyEverettNews.com is working to introduce our readers to more independent business owners here in Everett, Washington. We want to highlight their businesses, tell their stories and invite you to shop locally and help move Everett forward. If you know of a business we should feature, send us a suggestion via email: news@myeverettnews.com. Leland Dart – Publisher
 

Adair Gearhart (they/them) opened Catalyst Cafe at 1513 23rd Street just north of downtown Everett, Washington in November of 2021.

“I had worked at Boeing for 10 years and had a background in LGBTQ activism and lobbying,” Adair told us on a recent visit. “I was sober and and couldn’t really find a safe space that welcomed the LGBTQ community that didn’t serve alcohol so I created one.”

Gearhart says Catalyst Café’s mission is to create a sober, family-friendly community safe space for local LGBTQ+ folx, QTBIPOC, and allies. The response since opening has been overwhelmingly positive. “Our customer base is amazing,” said Gearhart. “We source our products locally whenever we can, offer gluten free, vegan and never upcharge for plant-based or sugar-free substitutions.”

The biggest challenge for Gearhart was to deal with all of the bureaucracy in opening a coffee and sandwich shop so there was a lot of trial and error. Communication with regulators was a bit difficult as was finding written requirements on how to open a food service business and the various steps that needed to be taken.

Open they are with Olympia Coffee, donuts from Henry’s and pastries from South Fork Baking Company. They do make their own sandwiches and Gearhart says their breakfast sandwich has been called the best in Everett.

Community is a big part of Catalyst Cafe and they have recently started a Karaoke and game night which runs every other Friday from 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM. (The next one is set for May 27th).

They’re open Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 7:30 AM – 5 PM, Saturday and Sunday from 8 AM – 5 PM. You can see their menu and learn more about their mission here at their website. The phone number is (425) 212-9364 and email address is catalystllc.wa@gmail.com. They also have a Facebook Page and are extremely responsive to messages.

Making a positive impact on the community in Everett and Snohomish County is important to Gearhart. We’ll leave you with this from their website.

We aspire to facilitate meaningful change in Snohomish County by mindfully sourcing inventory, supporting other minority owned businesses, hiring people who experience barriers to employment, contributing to mutual aid efforts, and serving high-ethicacy products with the utmost respect to customers of all genders, sexualities, and races.