Popular West Seattle coffee shop faces citywide foe

A locally-owned West Seattle business is up against the same foe that has pushed out so many others in the city — developers with deep pockets.

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Cameron and Peter Moores, the owners of C&P Coffee, recently learned the space they have been leasing for 15 years will be put on the market for $1.2 million. Though they still have two years left on their lease, the two are scrambling now if they want to have any chance of staying put.

“The thing we’re asking for is just a shot at this,” Cameron told the Tom and Curley Show.

They would like to purchase the property in order to maintain a space that is becoming increasingly rare. Not only do they operate out of a historic home, it’s also on a bit of land customers enjoy when they visit.

“This place has become a center for our community and we are determined to save it. Which means putting in a bid to buy, and the asking price is beyond our means,” a statement on GoFundMe reads.

Cameron says she doesn’t fault the owner of the property for wanting to sell. The chance to sell it for more than a $1 million would entice most people, as it has throughout Seattle in recent years.

“Our story is not unique,” Cameron said. “It’s happening all over the city.”

However, she says she doesn’t want to see their business replaced with chain stores. That “doesn’t make for a diverse, livable, interesting neighborhood.”

If it doesn’t work out, Cameron says they will look at relocating. For now, though, they are trying to raise as much money as possible to maintain this unique corner of Seattle. As of 11:30 a.m. on Monday, their GoFundMe campaign raised just over $33,000 — with a goal of $240,000.

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