Tomorrow night Satellite Coffee will celebrate its grand opening - inviting Supersuckers Eddie Spaghetti and Ron Heathman (Satellite's co owner) to rock out below the caffeine dispensing shack at Supernova Hair and Tattoo. Bob Wayne and the Outlaw Carnies will also perform. The music will start around 9 p.m., but those who arrive between 8-9 p.m. will receive a free eight ounce French press coffee as a token of Satellite's appreciation for Tacoma.
While Satellite has now been open since November, in the spot that once touted another famed T-Town coffee shop Temple of the Bean, according to co owner Pat Brown, now is the perfect time to celebrate.
"Initially, we did a soft opening," says Brown. "We just wanted to get the place open at first. We were still evolving, and I'm not even sure we've evolved all the way yet."
"But now we just want to have a party. We're glad winter is over and Satellite's open."
As happy as Tacoma has been to slurp down healthy servings of Stumptown Coffee - which comes from Portland, is all the rage, and is exclusively served at Satellite - Brown has been just as happy to set up shop in Tacoma. Without Tacoma, says Brown, the idea wouldn-t have been possible.
"One of the things I always try to stress is it's been a real community effort. Satellite has gotten help from innumerable people. It's been a reciprocal relationship with Satellite and Tacoma," says Brown.
"We love it here."
And Tacoma loves Satellite. According to Brown, his shop's success can be mainly attributed to Tacoma's readiness for Stumptown Coffee - which has a taste only outdone by the company's business ethos and drive to create what Brown calls "real life change" in coffee producing countries. Tacoma's enthusiastic response to Satellite can be measured by both the small outpost's daily business and people's reaction to their grand opening party. Brown expects the turnout tomorrow night to be "just silly."
"Right now we just want to continue doing what we're doing and continue getting the word out about Satellite," says Brown.
"We're still the best kept secret on Division and I St."
Not for long.
To RSVP for Satellite's grand opening party, go here.