Tacoma coffee lovers have something to celebrate as Dancing Goats Coffee opens an all-new space near the University of Washington (UW) Tacoma campus.
An official grand opening takes place on February 17, but many have already enjoyed the freshly roasted flavors of Batdorf & Bronson Coffee by the cupful during a soft opening period that began at the end of January.
Solidly rooted in the Pacific Northwest, the company began in 1988 when owners Larry and Cherie Challain opened their first Dancing Goats Espresso Company in downtown Olympia.
From a whimsical tale of grazing goats-turned-dancing-goats, upon their first taste of fruit off the coffee plant (or coffee cherries), evolved into a name too fun not to love.
From those early days of serving up Batdorf & Bronson Coffee at their shop to owning the brand a few short years later, the Challain’s passion for coffee would flourish, as did their company.
To keep serving the ‘roast to order’ freshness they are known for and a booming e-commerce site, the mid-to-late ’90s would see a new larger roasting facility in Olympia, and the set-up of a midway roasting point in Atlanta, Georgia.
But even steady growth would not compromise the look and feel of a smaller-sized coffee venture, keeping the creation of thoughtful spaces where people can connect over deliciously roasted and brewed coffees above all else.
What that looks like over three decades later is: two coffee bars, one tasting room, one roastery in Olympia, plus four coffee bars, and one roastery spread throughout Atlanta.
As in-person learning only recently resumed on UW’s campuses, and people reemerge from the struggles of the past two years, the city also seems to be on the path back to some of its usual hustle and bustle.
“We’re really excited to be in the area, and it’s long overdue,” says Director of Business Strategy at Dancing Goats Coffee Becci Ryder. “We’re very happy to bring our brand to more people around us locally, and in Tacoma, as it comes back to life again post-pandemic.”
Located in Tacoma’s Brewery Blocks, harkening to the boom days of the late 1800s when it was known as the warehouse district, Dancing Goats is primed amid a community-wide revitalization and a number of burgeoning new businesses.
Marrying features of the early Commerce Street building with contemporary additions, planners preserved some of the local histories while creating a renewed gathering point for students and members of the Tacoma community.
A spaciously modern interior makes a perfect backdrop for anticipated collaborations between the company’s creative department, students, and locals, for projects like temporary art displays, as seen at other near-campus locations.
Most of all, the setting provides the community with a convenient spot for grabbing essentials like caffeine, a quick bite before heading back to class, or longer visits, meetings, and study sessions.
There’s no shortage of items to choose from either. From a full line-up of coffee drinks to grab-and-go options like breakfast sandwiches, burritos, yogurt, and fresh pastries delivered daily from Macrina Bakery, there’s even an in-house boutique for at-home brewing essentials.
Plenty of indoor seating offers a collection of roomy communal tables, smaller, more intimate lounge areas, a coffee bar among a coterie of Edison-style pendant lights, and bright circular fixtures.
A covered front porch, cozily lined with Adirondack chairs, makes a welcoming scene for warmer weather when staff opens the big street-facing roll-up door connecting the two spaces.
“Besides serving the best coffees we can get our hands on, our goal is to create a comfortable and familiar space for people. A space that’s not work or home, but a place in the community that they can rely on,” says Director of Operations at Dancing Goats Coffee Aaron Shively. “We’re thrilled to be a part of Tacoma’s downtown and helping to foster and grow the local community.”
Stop by Tacoma’s Brewery Blocks for Dancing Goat’s Grand Opening on Thursday, February 17, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Experience deliciously crafted coffees in their new space, and maybe a few extra treats, too.
Find out more about Dancing Goats Coffee and locations here.
Dancing Goats Coffee
2102 Commerce Street, Tacoma
253.292.1530
Open daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Sponsored
