Another coffee closure: Admiral District’s Revolution Coffee/Art

| West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news | WS beverages

Last week, we reported the impending closure (after March 28) of Tully’s Coffee in Morgan Junction. Today, another impending closure has been confirmed – Revolution Coffee and Art in the Admiral District. Revolution owners Jason and Pam Douros, who took over Revolution last year, have put up two announcements on its Facebook page this morning. From the main announcement:

We regret to inform you that on March 5th 2010 Revolution will close its doors for the last time. This decision was not easy for anyone involved and it was thought through thoroughly and many options were explored. Unfortunately, due to factors beyond our control we are unable to sell the business at this time and are left with the option of closing and liquidating our assets.

And a separate note “from the barista,” from Pam:

I have been told not to feel too bad that something like between one third and fifty percent of new businesses fail in the first year. Somehow being part of this statistic only makes me feel worse. I wish I could have been more to the community than another statistic. However for what it’s worth, thank you friends and community for being a part of our journey and I am sorry that the trip didn’t last longer.

In the meantime, Revolution is open and invites customers to come in for coffee. They’re at 4217 SW Admiral Way. (Thanks to Jennifer Lynn for the original tip on this.)

Sargon Bighorn February 24, 2010 (3:34 pm)

Sad indeed they are closing. And yet we constantly hear how the economy is improving every day! There is a disconnect somewhere.

Melissa February 24, 2010 (5:03 pm)

Not really, Sargon. Employment declines after the economy starts to decline and it increases after the economy starts to improve. Employment is known as a “trailing economic indicator” for that reason.

charlabob February 25, 2010 (4:06 am)

This is so sad — and it reminds me to remind everyone to SHOP, DRINK, EAT at that place that seems so intriguing to you.

Are you glad we have (had) a place in West Seattle like Revolution Coffee House? Be sure you go there. Don’t just think kind thoughts about them.

Yup, I’m talking about myself. Revolution is five blocks from my house and I’ve always meant to … and never have. Now it’s too late. :-(

Baba February 25, 2010 (1:31 pm)

So sad. But I thought ” The Kenyan” said the Great Recession is over?

Eric February 25, 2010 (5:43 pm)

I was always intrigued by Revolution and wanted to see the art. The reason I never did is because they were closed by 4:30PM weekdays, most of Saturday, and all of Sunday. Cafe Ladro, in comparison, opens very early in the morning and closes very late at night. Daily. Twilight Art Collective closes at 7PM, except on weekends when they close at 5PM. I don’t think the recession is what stopped the Revolution.

Jason Douros February 26, 2010 (1:24 pm)

Eric, as one of the owners perhaps I can clarify. The previous owner had longer hours a couple of years ago (before the recession), and they were quite a failure.

The later hours did not support the amount of revenue brought in. Fact of the matter is, the North Admiral District does not get the foot traffic at night to support later hours at least in our little corner. Cafe Ladro is in a better position for latter business with both walk-ins and drive ups.

Plus it is part of a small chain with some heavy traffic/revenue generating locations. Chains are much better positioned to survive in lean times because they can spread out their diminishing revenue across multiple locations, and decrease their risk by balancing higher performing locations with lower ones.

We also did not have the revenue to support additional employees beyond our lone owner/barista. If our hours were expanded then it would have turned an 11 hour work day for her, into something like a 15-16 hour work day. If past experience would have shown later hours could support additional employees, then we would have pursued it. They just did not.

Business decisions like this are seldom as simple as one factor, as was this one.