3 Years of Mosaic Coffee

Wednesday was Mosaic‘s third anniversary.  For those of you who don’t know, this is a coffee house where you decide how much you want to pay.  And they’ve been doing this successfully.  For three years.  Kind of restores your faith in human nature, doesn’t it?

Mosaic is located in the basement of Seattle First Church of the Nazarene, on 2nd Ave and 44th Street,  right behind Dick’s.  It’s slightly dark and very spacious with lots of old couches, armchairs, heavy tables, and even a little electric fireplace and piano.  To one side is a large meeting room which groups can reserve and to the other is a kids’ playroom.  Yes, a place for the community to gather and another place to bring the kids where they can jump around while you have a much-needed cup of coffee.

Did I mention free Wi-Fi?

According to Tim Smith, the manager:

We really wanted to provide a place where anyone in our community, no matter of social status or financial position would be able to come in and enjoy the coffee house together.  Our pay structure is beautiful as it provides an opportunity for those who can to offset those who cannot afford a cup of coffee or pastry.

Your payment can go on a credit card, or they cheerfully break larger bills.  You put the cash into a little box with a slot cut in the top.  It’s that simple.  And then some of those dollars go to charity:

Each month, we feature a different nonprofit organization. We strive to feature both local and global organizations.  . . . .  When we first opened (March 31^st 2006) we gave 10% of what we brought in each month to our featured organization. Now we currently give $400 . . . .  We have been surprised and excited by the support we have found in the community.

If this inspires you, you can swing on by and experience the thrill of deciding how much you want to pay or even lend some volunteer time behind the bar.  Mosaic Coffee House and Seattle Mosaic Arts, two unique Seattle resources.  What is it with Wallingford and the notion of a mosaic?