A long-vacant Central District storefront is officially back in business. Coffee TAB has opened its doors at the former Starbucks space at 23rd Avenue South and South Jackson Street, with a grand opening celebration planned for this Sunday, September 20.
The corner location had been empty since the Starbucks closed in 2022. Community members had hoped to see the space become home to a locally-owned Black business, but plans announced by Black Coffee Northwest in 2023 ultimately did not come to fruition. Since then, that block has seen the departure of several other longtime businesses, including Catfish Corner, Amazon Fresh, and Walgreens.
Now Coffee TAB is bringing new energy to the corner, along with a mission that goes well beyond coffee. Every cup of coffee sold supports their apprenticeship program for young adults.
Founded in Seattle in 2022 by entrepreneur Jonathan Tran, Coffee TAB is a nonprofit coffee shop and workforce development organization. Its paid 8-to-12-week barista apprenticeship program helps young adults facing barriers to employment gain hands-on experience, job skills and mentorship, with additional support in resumes, interviews and life skills.
At the new Central District café, customers can order specialty coffee, single-origin espresso drinks made with housemade syrups, breakfast sandwiches, and fresh pastries. The organization also hosts community-focused events such as Barista Basics and latte art workshops.
Coffee TAB’s Central District location is its third in Seattle, joining cafés in Belltown and Pioneer Square. After a soft opening on September 13, the new shop is now open daily from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The community is invited to celebrate the official grand opening this Sunday, September 20, marking a new chapter for a corner that has sat empty for years.
Coffee TAB is also looking ahead to its annual Sip for a Cause fundraiser on Saturday, October 24, featuring café beverages, light bites, a silent auction and an apprentice panel. Proceeds will support the Barista Apprenticeship Program and help Coffee TAB fund its location expansion and accept more apprentices into its program. If interested, you can find more info via the cafe’s Instagram.
