Community helps save West Seattle coffee shop

UPDATE: C & P Coffee Company, with help from our community, was able to raise the funds needed to purchase and preserve their West Seattle coffee house. Scroll down to read their full announcement and letter.

Earlier story:

Nestled off California Avenue SW in this historic craftsman home is C & P Coffee Company.

“This building is just so special and so unique,” said C & P Coffee owner Cameron Moores.

Since Moores and her husband, Pete, opened the coffee shop 15 years ago, it's become more than just a place to grab a cup of joe.

Jamieson Morrell has been a regular since day one.

“It’s been my home away from home,” Morrell explained. “Sort of where I come to bring friends, colleagues, coworkers and get some work done.”

So when the Moores learned their landlord had put the property up for sale, they knew they had to do something.

As the tenants, the Moores have the right of first refusal written into their lease.

But with property billed as a "terrific development opportunity" online with a $1.25 million dollar price tag, the Moores knew they couldn't do it alone.

To their amazement, the community has stepped up.

“We have a GoFundMe page and neighbors as investors who have stepped up to invest with us,” Moores said. “This place has become as important to them as to my family.”

The Moores have two years left on their lease.

But they have only two weeks left to come up with the cash.

“We're still not quite there,” Moores added. “But the fact we could get as close as we are -- I think we're three-quarters of the way there in a week and a half -- is stunning.”

Moores is feeling confident.

And if they pull off the sale, she says she's even more committed to serving the community.

“It's been overwhelming. I will be indebted not just in a money way, but in a heart way for the rest of my life,” Moores said. “This experience has changed us.”

If you want to help, visit this link.

Letter from C & P Coffee House:

Dear West Seattle and Beyond,

It is with the most profound gratitude that we can say we have raised the funds needed to purchase and preserve the coffee house.

Thousands of us stood together to say that community matters, and that a true community space like the coffee house is worth saving. That same spirit and kindness has always made C & P what it is.

All those who gave through the GoFundMe or by other means directly contributed to our effort to save C & P. From the countless friends and Neighbors who gave hundreds to the Fairmount Park student who shyly slid a dollar across the bar; every donation mattered. Please know with pride that we couldn't have done it without you. We look forward to building friendships and community with you for many years to come.

This effort would not have been possible without the advice and expertise of so many from our community. Although resolute, Cam and I were over our heads many times during this process. Our motto was; "They don't know the amateurs they're dealing with!" Although there are too many to thank here, we would like to especially acknowledge our lawyers Eric and Brock, John Babauta and HomeStreet Bank, and our dear friend and broker Roger Steiner of RSVP Real Estate. Thanks also to our incredible C & P crew for putting up with us during this process. We couldn't have done it without all of you.

Kindness has always been the cornerstone of C& P. For 15 years we have opened our doors and welcomed a neighborhood in. But it wasn't until the place was in Jeopardy that Cam and I truly learned what community means. Your kindness and commitment has shown us clearly that the coffee house is more than four walls. It is a place where neighbors meet and strangers become friends. It is a place where music and poetry and art are essential. It is a place where social justice is expected and fought for. It is a warm cozy room on a cold day. It is a home. It is YOUR home.

With much love and gratitude,
Cam and Pete

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