BIZNOTE: Lula Coffee ready for grand-opening party after creating ‘a place where everybody feels comfortable’

(WSB photos. Above, mural inside Lula Coffee)

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog edito
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“Be your own kind of beautiful.”

That’s one of the inspirational suggestions featured in art on the walls inside Lula Coffee Co., which celebrates its grand opening this Friday and Saturday (January 24-25) at 4451 California SW in The Junction.

The space has been transformed from its former identity as Red Cup Espresso, under new owner Taylor Platt and manager Caitlyn Johnson (L-R below).

Platt is a veteran of “the coffee world” – 9 years at Cutters Point Coffee Co. (Lula’s roaster), and she’s a former vice president of development for Gravity Coffee Co..

She says she has longed to take over this shop since she first saw it shortly after moving to Alki five years ago and was excited to get the opportunity after it went up for sale last year. She wants Lula to be known for more than coffee; she’s worked to create a “super positive atmosphere,” which she says ex-employer Cutters Point is known for in Gig Harbor.

In particular, Platt says, Lula is a celebration of “girl power.” But girls aren’t the only ones likely to find meaning in the art by Tori Kirihara. Overall, the intention is for Lula to be “a place where everybody feels comfortable.”

And there are other reasons to hang out there: Seating with outlets (including USBs), for one.

Breakfast burritos made for Lula by adjacent taco truck El Chapulin Oaxaqueño (which doesn’t open until 11 am otherwise) and heated super-fast by the new Turbo Chef oven, one of the equipment upgrades. Pastries and bagels are available (multiple providers). And, Johnson adds, “We offer great milk alternatives at no additional cost, including oat, coconut, hemp, soy, and almond. We also use ‘clean label’ syrups.”

More changes are ahead – Platt hopes to install a speaker box for ordering, to “move people more quickly” through the drive-up line, one of just a few in West Seattle. And the hours are about to expand, to 5 am-7 pm weekdays, 6 am-8 pm Saturdays, 7 am-6 pm Sundays. (Maybe later in summer.)

You’re invited to stop in and give the shop a try during the grand opening Friday-Saturday, with specials including $1 12-ounce hot drinks.

P.S. About the name – it’s a nod to Platt’s mom, who, she explains, wanted to name her Tallulah. Some customers have called her Lula, she says, and that news thrilled her mom (“It’s finally happening!”). Whether you call her Lula or Taylor, she says, just come on in.

11 Replies to "BIZNOTE: Lula Coffee ready for grand-opening party after creating 'a place where everybody feels comfortable'"

  • CC January 20, 2020 (5:09 pm)

    This looks adorable and like a great addition to the area! :)

  • Caitlyn Johnson January 20, 2020 (6:54 pm)

    Thank you dearly Tracy! This was such a welcoming introduction for Lula Coffee Co.! We are grateful to be apart of the West Seattle Blog! 

    • Mr J January 24, 2020 (8:27 am)

      This morning I found a coupon from your café stuck to my windshield. I don’t know when you chose to leave the coupon on my car, but peeling a wet mass of pulp off my windshield before I go to work does not inspire me to try your drinks.

  • NH January 20, 2020 (7:32 pm)

    Went the other day and had a Golden Milk… so good! The drink menu sounds great, I can’t wait to go back and try more.

  • Neighbor January 20, 2020 (8:20 pm)

    I’ve been coming to Lula and LOVING the drinks (especially the cold brew!), food (veggie breakfast burrito esp!), vibe, and staff. Lots of thoughtful touches. Really happy they’re here. Welcome!!

  • Sharon Podobnik January 21, 2020 (10:09 am)

    Congratulations on your launch! Can’t wait to stop by!

  • Laurie January 21, 2020 (2:41 pm)

    Try the Pumpkin Spice Oat-Milk Latte….no one makes it better!  Say aunt Laurie sent you!

  • Heather January 24, 2020 (10:13 am)

    Just stopped at the drive-thru and grabbed a Salty Beach and a breakfast sandwich – both are fantastic!   Welcome to the Junction, and thanks for being so kind to my cat and I.    (He REALLY wanted the breakfast sandwich.) I’ll pass the good word about all you’re doing.

  • Mr J January 24, 2020 (2:04 pm)

    Wish you luck. Would have preferred you didn’t leave flyers on every car in my neighborhood, well soggy flyers now. 

  • Lori January 24, 2020 (5:44 pm)

    Looks like a wonderful addition to the neighborhood. Can’t wait to stop in!

  • MJ January 30, 2020 (8:06 pm)

    I’m late to hearing about this but I just had to comment to say… ALT MILK AT NO ADD’L COST? Swooooon. I’m already a huge fan. Will be stopping by this weekend for sure!! 

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