Black Water Cafe Closes

RR Anderson June 16, 2009

first the helm, then the volcano… now this.

this is a trifecta win for the conspiracy.

Chas June 16, 2009

RR, you know the Volcano is a totally different story. Don’t gerneralize.

dawntown June 16, 2009

Whoa! Is this an old post? Is it possible, the second closing of the Blackwater? I could have sworn I just saw pics of the sign being installed and some painting going on at the new location. Well that just sucks. What forces have drawn the doors down closed on this wonderful little slice of Tacoma?

ronda June 16, 2009

They had the best cooffee, I am sad…any chance they will open somewhere else??

Derek staff June 16, 2009

From Rachel via email:

After three and a half years of serving the community we love, Black Water Café will be closing its doors. It has been an honor, a privilege and an inspiration to contribute to Tacoma. We urge all our friends to continue supporting small businesses.

We love the coffee at:

Valhalla Valkyrie Café, 3918 6th Ave,

Metro Coffee 1901 Jefferson Ave,

and Satellite Coffee 2811 6th Ave and 817 Division Ave

Thank you to everyone who was with us along the way, including but definitely not limited to:

Drew Schot, Audra and Rhoan Laymon, Jamie Schossow, Carson Churchill, Zachary Marvick, Rachel Luna Laub, Wes Bowens, Shawn McManus, Byron Betts, Krista Keithly, Emily and Jason Bosh, Jann and Gordon Moreshead, George Reed-Harmon, Willem Van Spronsen, Randall Reed, Ron Khale, Denny Littlefield, Eli Hansen, Aaron Carson, Alan and Cheryl Gorsuch, Danny and Nichole Connelly, Adam Ydtsie, A.J. Anderson and Valhalla Coffee Company, Beautiful Angle, Springtide Press, Barry Watson and the Rosewood Café, Margaret’s, J. Robbins Florist, Guitar Maniacs, Seamus Holman and Gridwork Design, Rusty George, Puget Sound Pizza, Sanford and Son, Grand Cinema, Corina Bakery, Exit 133, Suite 133, Serenity Spa, Brooks Dental Studio, Fidel’s Barbershop, Galanga Thai, Kings Books, Embellish Salon, 1022 South, Tempest Lounge, Dockyard Derby Dames, everyone at Tacoma School of the Arts, Top of Tacoma, Magoo’s Annex, Smith Brothers Dairy, Veritas Mortgage, The Parlor, Jennifer Adams and Tacoma is for Lovers, Oliver Doriss and Fulcrum Gallery, Rich Johnson, Laurel Allen, Mindy Barker, Sean Alexander, Roshni Roberts, Chris Sharp, Jason Ganwich, Katy Evans, Chris Langston, Colleen Malone, sweet pea, Derek Young, Whitney Rhodes, Yvonne Gormley, Tad and Melissa Monroe, Paul Sparks, Brynn Searles, Kat and Amy Kobberstad, Noah Struthers, John Clinton, Josh Pemberton, Seth Nutter, Colin Reynolds, Matt Corey, “the Boys”, Shannon Nutter, Daniel Blue, The Nightgowns, The Painkillers, Makeup Monsters, Eggplant, Tacoma Farmer’s Market chocolate-and-nut-covered-frozen-bananas-on-a-stick, all of our amazing customers, and the City of Tacoma.

dolly varden June 16, 2009

That’s really sad – and mysterious, given all the work they’d put into the new place lately. The email from Rachel leaves obviously leaves lots of questions unanswered.

Tom Llewellyn June 16, 2009

Ohh, I am so sad about this. Blackwater has been the gracious, soulful host of Beautiful Angle’s annual holiday fundraiser every year. I don’t usually cry about businesses, but I’m shedding real tears over this news. Rachel, you made Tacoma a better place. It will be worse off without you.

Leslie Young June 16, 2009

But why?? There was no reason given??

Nick June 16, 2009

Sad!

It sounds like even the ownership didn’t see this coming, so I imagine something unexpected happened. Perhaps we will see Blackwater appear in some form in the future, after all this economic chaos ends…

Lindsay B June 16, 2009

Loved the old location and the beautiful rotating artwork. It was the perfect place to sit and “run into” some of the most fabulous people in Tacoma.

Thorax O'Tool June 16, 2009

I’m no rocket scientist, but I have a theory about it’s demise.

You see, coffee is an “essential” that turns out to be very easily dropped when the going gets rough. $3 for a latte? Not when your unemployment will barely cover rent and food. 25 cent drip brewed by Mr Coffee will suffice when the cash flow stops.
And with unemployment racing for 10% & beyond as well as (according to the Federal Government) 1 in 8 homes in some stage of delinquency or foreclosure, is it a wonder no one has cash for discretionary purchases? Even Mighty Starbucks is laying off and closing locations.

As a proud non-coffee drinker I can’t say how the local coffee scene will be affected. But I do hate seeing local businesses close.
Urban Kitchen is moving too… I hope they’re not next to die. I actually patronize that place.

jamie from thriceallamerican June 16, 2009

Hey Thorax, veering a bit off-topic, I haven’t had a chance to swing by Urban Gourmet to inquire about the moving details yet after getting a postcard from them the other day…can you fill us in on the deets?

crenshaw sepulveda June 16, 2009

“local coffee scene”? there is something known as the “local coffee scene”? please, please, tell me what this “local coffee scene” entails, what does one do when engaged in this “local coffee scene”? i have to say this is too funny for words, “local coffee scene”.

altered Chords June 16, 2009

Cren – allow me to elaborate. I walk into a dunkin donuts and order their coffee. Headquarters other than Tacoma – Not local. No hipsters hanging out – Not a scene.

I walk into McDonalds and order coffee. Not local. No scene.

I walk into what used to be Blackwater and order coffee. Local ownership. Hipsters present – Local + Scene = Local coffee scene.

NoWhatUmSayin?

formerdormer June 16, 2009

is hipsters cool?

crenshaw sepulveda June 16, 2009

So Blackwater didn’t have enough “hipsters” hanging around? Did they not have enough room to accommodate them and their laptops. This has certainly been educational for me.

tressie June 16, 2009

I am so sad to hear that news. Blackwater, we hardly knew ye…in our ‘hood…I do know that because the 3 partners at Rampart/funkoma have other day jobs…can we keep it going.
With sidewalks and asphalt coming soon! things are much better here. Perhaps my bitching about the construction scared her off ? It’s bad, but doable if you want it to be….and you WILL go it alone with only your customers to count on….

Mark had coffee stands at the downtown Y, the Commerce Street Bus/transfer Stop and at the Puyallup Ave Bus/transfer Stop…in the early 90s…the demand for coffee continues…

Broadweezy June 16, 2009

Sad. I have a variety of mixed thoughts about it. It all kinda reminds me of a somewhat reincarnation of the Kickstand. Are local coffee shops downtown just plain ‘ol cursed? On the other hand, I’m not gonna lie, but the whole brooding-snooty-hipster vibe kinda creeped me out a little – plus you couldn’t even get a sandwich there and it was called a “cafe.” Weird man.

Corey June 16, 2009

Thorax: Wrong.

Squid June 16, 2009

Corey is correct, Thorax is wrong. 95+% of the Blackwater’s customers still have whatever job they had before. Sbux problems pre-date any recession.

To steal an altered Chords phrase, we aren’t allowing anymore Eeyore Economics around Exit133.

altered Chords June 16, 2009

To answer the question “is hipsters cool?” Yes but not as cool as patrons that order coffee, pay for it and leave.

I have a question. Is the sale of Bella Balls a better business model than the sale of coffee? That’s who is now occupying the space formerly occupied by Black Water.

Does the Tacoma consumer have pent up demand for Bella Balls. Is this demand greater than the demand for Moroccan goods? (another retail establishment that bit the dust recently)

Sarah Snow June 16, 2009

Jamie,
I just went by Urban Gourmet. They are simply moving into their back space. Downsizing, I guess. I went by today, great sale, everything is 50% off (except wine and spices) and they are selling the fixtures, if you need some cool wire shelving, or they have some great wood ones too!

They will still sell tea, spices and wine, and some kitchen gadgets, along with cooking classes. The entrance will be on Fife, instead of 6th.

That’s all I know!

Jacinda June 16, 2009

I walked to Blackwater today to get a cup of good coffee made by a local, authentic Tacoma business and was sad to see it closed. I am still wondering why the doors closed so suddenly and what kind of politics are going on at that space. They did just recently move the sign and whenever I was in there, there were always a handful of customers. To all those commenting about the closure being of no great loss due to its hipster roots: yeah, Blackwater was most definitely hipster and while I do not consider myself a “hipster” or “artist” I enjoyed seeing local faces and art at both the new and old location. I liked the quirky color scheme and employees. Most of all, I liked that Blackwater was Tacoma. It wasn’t some corporate cafe with rules on dress attire and decor. It was a local business that supported and was supported by other local businesses. Every loss of a local and unique Tacoma business is significant and sad loss.

RR Anderson June 16, 2009

some of us were endowed by the creator with our own built-in bella balls. Thus and so I am not in the market for 3rd party bella balls. As for moroccan goods I have about as much need for a hooka as a hole in the head.

hey kids, Smoking is for posers.

tom waits June 16, 2009

i for one am very sad to lose a business that makes me like tacoma more. there are plenty already that make me like it less.

when i am meeting someone who has not been to tacoma’s downtown before, blackwater is exactly the kind of place i choose.

hipster? whatever. it was a good independent business with good service, community support and great coffee.

Thorax O'Tool June 17, 2009

Is it so wrong? This isn’t Eeyore Economics, it’s pretty much plain fact going on before our eyes. This isn’t doom ‘n gloom, you’re watching it happen.
Let’s assume a few things for our equation, shall we?
Let’s assume that despite the move and the Broadway LID, Blackwater retained 95% of it’s customers. Let’s use the official May unemployment rate of 10.1% in Tacoma. Let’s assume that only 10% of regulars are trying to pay off credit cards and budget better, thus buying half the coffee they used to. Let’s also assume that like most small businesses, Blackwater has a small profit margin… for our equation, let’s assume a 1% margin; not much compared to oil companies (8% on average) but realistic.

So now we have 5% less customers buying coffee… if 10.1% of the 95% are unemployed [not buying coffee], and 10% of the 95% are cutting costs [buying less coffee], and if their margin is tight, then it makes absolute sense that they couldn’t make it. Right off the top we have 16% of business gone and at least 5% more reduced revenue from those trying to save more. A 16% drop will will easily bankrupt a company.
It’s pretty basic economics and math.

Jesse June 17, 2009

Ironically, I went to check out Blackwater for the first time on the day it closed. Huh.
Well, hipsters or not, it’s always a loss when a mom n’ pop type business goes under. They bring personality to a city instead of the homogenized “I’m in every city!” chain establishment or franchise that appeals to the brain dead, unoriginal, and lazy. I mean, I find places like Starbucks, Subway, Olive Garden, and the like, soul-crushing for a city. They destroy actual culture and make the town like it’s “Anytown USA”. It’s too bad those types of places thrive here in T-town… (See Tacoma Mall area for details) I mean, a line out the door for Olive Garden on Friday but nothing at Pomadoros or Europa Bistro? Really? REALLY???

Mofo from the Hood June 17, 2009

I still walk by that Fawcett St. building when I’m out doing business etc. That was a unique place for sure, but when any kind of shop changes location, it’s a dicey predicament.

Even for well-rooted shops, on a daily basis there’s a hundred and one things that can send any business into a death spiral.

I wasn’t a patron of Blackwater but I recognized that it was a place for “youthful energy.” There wasn’t much of a public scene in Tacoma when I was in my 20’s and there definitely wasn’t a coffee scene (and blogging was pure science fiction).

There’s still time to strap on a pair of bella balls and make it happen again.

F.Y.I: “bella” is Italian for beautiful.
Ciao,
MFTH

Patricia Lecy-Davis June 17, 2009

I am once again heartbroken!!!! Rachael moved here from Utah 5+ years ago green and just out of beauty school, but a talented mature old soul. We struggled to obtain her hair license so she could transition from our receptionist to a full fledged hair stylist. In less than a year I encountered my first Moreshed heartbreak. We were losing a talented hair dresser to the world of coffee. Her love for the art of Jo was our loss. I remember reading her original business plan when she was set on the name “Pookie Monsters”. Blackwater became such an icon of Tacoma for it’s intersection of people and ideas. She and Blackwater definitely gave the original “Kickstand” a run for their money, and Rich and Laurel were a hard act to follow! When she discussed a move to a new location with me, I worried, but thought for sure that being on that central street, and close to so much activity, that she would endure the challenges of a move coupled with our struggling economy. I am so sad to once again feel such a whole in our community fabric. Ironically the old space she was in was a past prospect location for embellish close to a decade ago. In fact it is not “Bella Balls” gallery, it is in fact a new salon that sprung up over night. WOW! how things change fast. Rachael, you and your legacy will be greatly missed. We LOVE you, and look forward to seeing the next chapter in your life. Be kind to yourself, and know that you brought much joy to us T-Town folks through little cups of heaven.

justin camarata June 17, 2009

ditto to everything else that’s been said here. blackwater was THE meeting space for a variety of events, the coffee was consistently delicious, the music and ambience were great, i lost many games of chess there, and out-of-towners loved it. a friend from LA still says it was one of the best lattes he’d ever had.

blackwater held some personal significance for me as well – it was where i went on my first date with the woman i’m now married to.

good luck to you rachel. thanks for providing such an important part of tacoma for so long.

tacomagirl June 17, 2009

To Thorax and all else following that line of thinking: That wasn’t it. I’ve been privy to inside information (can’t reveal the source); I can say only that Thorax’s theory is not the reason.

Donkey Kong June 17, 2009

Blackwater will be sorely missed. Of course I have no idea about the reasons for the closure, and I’ve always been impressed with Rachel, but I think this talk of the economic downturn is leading away from one of the main problems that Blackwater (at least the old version) faced: They didn’t have enough to sell us. Coffee? Check. Pastry? Most of the time. Lunch? no. I think she could have taken a lot more money out of the customers’ pockets, actually. Especially with the laptop crowd …

altered Chords June 17, 2009

I actually found Blackwaters plain drip coffee to be the best in Puget Sound. Really.

I also found the look and feel of the place to be great (I am not a hipster but I like hipsters because I pretend the hipster women are looking at me admiringly. I also think that I could be a hipster despite my age and conservatism…I just choose not to at this moment)

I also greatly enjoyed their scones.

I did not buy enough from them.

So they had a great product and seemed to the casual observer to have customers so their closing may indeed have nothing to do w/ economics as has been suggested by a number of commenters.

dni June 17, 2009

Rachel; Over The Moon welcomed your addition to the neighborhood, and we are sooo sad to see you go so soon. All my best to you, please stop by to say “hi”.

Without knowing what happened, I can only say that, folks, it takes a lot of work, a lot of patience, and a big hit to your personal life (not to mention your wallet), to keep these “hip” places open.

Dan June 17, 2009

What a bummer. I couldn’t get into the new location…. quirky but so small. The Fawcett building was the kind of place I’d be proud to take an out-of-towner to.

OC Housewife June 17, 2009

Help Altered Chords! What are “hipsters” and “bella balls” while I’m asking.

Jim @ PSP June 17, 2009

PSPs very sad to see Blackwater close its doors.

We think Rachel did a fantastic job with Blackwater and wish her and her staff nothing but the best.

To have an anchor like Blackwater close is pretty disheartening. And even though I think we all wish it would have had a more positive ending, I really respect the way Rachel went out on her own terms.

And yes, the LID for us has been a bit difficult … but todays a good day for us: it’s the first time that we’ll have both a road and parking in front our restaurant since Thanksgiving.

Thorax O'Tool June 17, 2009

So then, if the economy isn’t the reason, then will there be a Blackwater 2?
Also, this leaves us open to speculation of the demise… including efforts by the Tacoma Mafia giving Blackwater a “Sweet Deal” from the Coffee Cartel located up on the corner of Lander & Utah Streets…

Thorax O'Tool June 17, 2009

Oh, and before I forget…

“I did not buy enough from them.“

AC, that mentality is a fallacy and part of why the economy is in the bad trouble it is. As an individual, it is not your responsibility to keep a business open. One can only afford so much coffee or drink so much without negative health effects. It is neither reasonable nor rational for one to purchase in excess of what they need or can afford. It’s not healthy for your or the economy to be tens of thousands in credit card debt… I’m surprised that more people don’t see the problem with 70% of our GDP being based on spending and not making.

You know, today Eddie Bauer filed for bankruptcy. Is it your fault if you already had a perfectly good fleece jacket and didn’t buy three more from them that you don’t need? Is it your fault the Six Flags filed Chapter 11 because you only went there once this year (or not at all)? Is it your fault WaMu failed because you didn’t buy their stock or keep thousands in your account?

As individual citizens (not consumers, that is a derogatory word, it takes away the responsibilities associated with being a citizen and makes it clear your sole purpose is merely to open your wallet), we do not have any responsibility to keep companies afloat. Our own responsibilities are to ourselves, our families, our communities and to our world. If a business fails, it is not your fault or mine. It is theirs.

Cheryl G. June 17, 2009

Black Water will be sorely missed.
The new spot was doing very well – it did not have to do with the economy or the LID. I am certain that Rachel will tell those she wishes her full story. It has been a stressful nightmare of sorts for her. I wish that there was a benefit or some way to save this incredible small business for her.
Our very best wishes go out to you Rachel. Tacoma loves you and wants to keep their adopted daughter.
I remember her first business plan too and I don’t believe this will be the last we shall hear from this dynamo of a woman! xxoo

Squid June 17, 2009

It takes Thorax Math to turn a 5% reduction into 16%.

Do not pass Go, do not collect $200

Adrian Veidt June 17, 2009

You’re both wrong, one is more wrong than the other.

95% is 5% less, obviously. But we didn’t lose only 5% in the equation present by TOT. We’re figuring that a percentage of the remaining customer base has lost their job. Which is a very good assumption right now.

So we’re assuming that 10.1% of the remaining 95% customer base are no longer buying. 10.1% unemployment is equal to 89.9% employment.

Thus .95(.899)=.85405
So only 85.4% of the remaining base is buying coffee. But we lost 5% as already noted. Thus

.85405 – .05 = .80405

Thus, the business is actually down 20.4%, not including anyone who is still buying stuff, albeit less.

Sonja Silver June 18, 2009

I’ve been out of town for a few days, but was sad to hear this. If Rachel still wants to do coffee in Tacoma, the North 21st Street Old Bridge merchants (especially me) would love to find a way to get her in our neighborhood. Even if I had to give her a corner of my dress shop…If she is done with the business and just moving on, I wish her the best in her next adventure and hope she stays local. I love her energy and her heart. She and Magdelena at Satellite are the best baristas in Tacoma (in my humble opinion.) Our loss.

Jake June 18, 2009

From my understanding the lease was broken at the former location on Fawcett Ave. I know the former landlord is suing Blackwater. That might have something to do with it. Maybe the attorney cost just became to much?

jake's kindalame June 18, 2009

wow jake, nice of you to take a matter that rachel has obviously chosen to keep private… and set it on the table for all of us to ponder. I’ll bet you felt really important having that “inside” information on the hipsters, and equally important publishing it on the internet for us office nerds to read.

fail @ comment 47

Jake June 18, 2009

“inside” information = public information. I actually read about it in a local newspaper. So feel free to rant on them for publishing (public) information about the lawsuit ;)

Thorax O'Tool June 18, 2009

Public record is just that: public whether we want it to be or not.

justin camarata June 18, 2009

seriously jake, screw you. no such article exists. back to your cave, troll.

Marguerite June 18, 2009

I don’t know what happened. I am not really interested in finding out what happened. I might be if I was thinking of opening a coffee shop.

The bottom line is a great place run by a great lady is not there, and it really sucks. But Rachel is A. Awesome and B. Young, and I’d bet money she will do many many more great things and open lots more cool businesses. Hopefully she decides to open them in Tacoma.

Angee June 18, 2009

Blackwater, Snicker, Teeny, Luna, Carson, I miss you already. Thank you for all you’ve done for Tacoma. Thank you for all the really good cups of coffee! Rachel, if you’re reading this, keep your chin up. I still think you’re amazing.

jdub June 18, 2009

Thorax says,
“Our own responsibilities are to ourselves, our families, our communities and to our world. If a business fails, it is not your fault or mine. It is theirs.”
So true. If the business fails it is their fault. But personal choices can determine that outcome. Blackwater was a “Great Good Place”, a meeting place outside the home that created community. I wouldn’t call it hipster, nor would I call the local hash house in a dying timber town hipster. It’s just a place that people felt comfortable to go. Some of the best conversations I’ve ever had were in joints like that, often times with people that I didn’t agree with.
That is what is lost with Blackwater.
What is lost to ourselves, our families, our communities, and to our world if another business like that fails?
It’s that conversation. It’s that connection. Which builds our world, our communities, our families, and ultimately ourselves.
McDonalds has a latte now, has anyone ever talked to anyone else in a McDonalds?
Thorax is right in a sense, I don’t buy a latte each day like I use to, haven’t in years. On the same coin I don’t buy books from Borders or Half Price or Amazon. Its a choice, a pointed choice. Because a family which lives in a community which lives in a world deserves that decision.

The coffee dude June 18, 2009

Well I guess its back to The “Bean” oops I mean Satellite. See you there John and Shar, Don L., Adam, Stu, Scott T, Scott H., Jason G. and most of everyone else on my facebook page…

Mamsie June 18, 2009

Love Rachel! SO sad about the closure. I am seeing new and better ventures around the corner! Just hope that corner is still within walking distance!

Tears —-

Mamz

RR Anderson June 18, 2009

whenever I tell friends the blackwater is dead the first thing they ask after a long gasp is “WHY?” thanks to the business examiner at least now I have something to tell them other than the story I made up about how Rachel was taking her act as brawny rollerskating chick on the road as a vigilante crime fighter in the style of Tom Joad from grapes of wrath…

“Then it don’t matter. I’ll be all around in the dark – I’ll be everywhere. Wherever you can look – wherever there’s a fight, so hungry people can eat, I’ll be there. Wherever there’s a cop beatin’ up a guy, I’ll be there. I’ll be in the way guys yell when they’re mad. I’ll be in the way kids laugh when they’re hungry and they know supper’s ready, and when the people are eatin’ the stuff they raise and livin’ in the houses they build – I’ll be there, too.”

Thanks Jake!

RR Anderson June 18, 2009

my research also demands a mention of Ma Joad who concludes the film, saying:

“I ain’t never gonna be scared no more. I was though. For a while it looked like we was beat. Good and beat. Looked like we didn’t have nobody in the whole wide world but enemies. Like nobody was friendly no more. Made me feel kinda bad and scared too, like we was lost and nobody cared…. Rich fellas come up and they die, and their kids ain’t no good and they die out, but we keep on coming. We’re the people that live. They can’t wipe us out, they can’t lick us. We’ll go on forever Pa, cos we’re the people that live.”

she’s obviously talking about tacoma.

Whitney staff June 18, 2009

As far as I know, and I am not speaking for Rachel but do know some details of her troubles, any issues she had with her former landlord are unrelated to the lawsuit notice Jake spotted.

The conclusions of a lawsuit from rumors about any lease issues are false. She had a number of issues that prompted the move.

After the move her customers did NOT abandon her as some would suggest. Her sales were not struggling, and she did not want to close. But sometimes the universe has its own agenda.

Rachel and Black Water closing leaves a hole in our community. She is a wonderful woman who deserves our support during a difficult time.

Thorax O'Tool June 18, 2009

A through search of the Business examiner’s Public Records section under lawsuits really makes me not feel very good. At this point I think I’ll cry if anyone buys that “green shoots” propaganda.

So, while apparently most logical reasons for BW’s demise are wrong, does anyone see a trend here? Apparently their loyal base is still loyal.
Then that raises the question again: Is their going to be a Blackwater 2 or is it too soon to tell?
Or is this the right time to debut my patented Tamocha™?

crenshaw sepulveda June 18, 2009

it sucks having to go to Tully’s for coffee. i can’t believe how quickly Black Water became part of my daily routine. Tully’s will never be routine for me.

altered Chords June 18, 2009

Thorax – You would need the “Blackwater” brand to find success. Rachel may sell it to you. Coming up with a new trademarked “tamocha” is a new brand and would have zero hipster clout. Same goes for “Alteredchordsachino”

Rachel – cool
Altered Chords – not cool
Thorax – nice guy but certainly not as cool as Rachel.
Blackwater – cool
Tamocha – not cool
Alteredchordsachino – not cool.

Sorry dude – you need the brand. Even w/ the brand, without Rachel – not cool enough.

This is sad.

Thorax O'Tool June 19, 2009

Well, what can I say. I don’t know sh*t about coffee, so the Tamocha™ would likely be terrible.

I’m not quite good at coming up with flavored drinks, I am good at ideas.

Oh, and I am cool! My mom says so.

Joe King June 19, 2009

Blackwater was the ONLY coffee shop in Tacoma that I would visit after the Mandolin cafe replaced their trained baristas with a fully automatic machine. YUCK! Not only did the shop (and Rachel) bring “cool” to coffee in terms of the ambiance, but she knew how to pull one heck of an awesome shot.

When I went down to the store on Tuesday, I found the doors closed and a giant sign on the window. I was deeply saddened. I began calling friends who might be able to tell me what happened…

From what I’ve been able to gather, the closure was due to lawsuits being initiated by a guy that helped get Blackwater started. After seeing their amazing success, he got greedy and decided he’d try to hijack the business. Without the necessary funding to defend all of the lawsuits, she was given no choice but to close.

This probably goes without saying…. but WHAT A F’n PRICK!

<regaining composure> I’d love nothing more than to see someone step in and buy all of the blackwater “stuff” and help Rachel set up a new shop somewhere nearby. She deserves a second chance.

Mofo from the Hood June 22, 2009

Look, Rachel, if you want to meet at McDonald’s sometime, let me know. They got a pretty good dollar menu–and it will be my treat.

Thorax O'Tool June 23, 2009

Litigious society.

Need I say any more why the US of A if falling behind in everything except frivolous lawsuits?

crenshaw sepulveda June 23, 2009

Daniel Blue, in one of his regular Spews, said of Knudson, “Knudson’s warmth and friendly nature are the kinds of things that really bind a community together, we are strong when we lift each other up.”

Thorax O'Tool June 23, 2009

Ok, I’m tired of peering into someone’s private life.

It was fun to guess and speculate about Starbucks contracting to the Russian Mafia to give BW a “sweet deal”. Making up mathematical equations to guesstimate business was fun.

Getting this deep into Rachel’s life is not fun.

If we really care as much about Rachel and BW as y’all say, then why aren’t We (collectively) ponying up a legal fund to help her out? $100 isn’t much, even though we are in a ~~depression~~ recession, $100 from 440 people equals $44,000.
Once again, we need to be putting our money where our mouths are… or else this city will continue to get nothing done.

Someone needs to start this one, and I’m taking a pass because I don’t drink coffee.
But there are a lot of folks here who really, really liked Blackwater. Who here has the cajones to start this legal fund rolling?
…or are We just talk?

RR Anderson June 23, 2009

let us wait to see what truth emerges from the courts before we go stuffing money in people’s pockets.

I suspect this will be Tacoma’s version of the OJ Simpson trial. Something we can all profit from as spectators.

Go Rachel!

altered Chords June 23, 2009

So if I contribute $100.00 will I be a partial owner? Will there be an ownership agreement in place that ensures that I get a portion of the profits. Will this new agreement fall into dispute? What will we do if we feel as though we are not getting the share of profits that were agreed upon?

WE WILL SUE DAMMIT!!!!!

SUE EVERYBODY!!!!

PS – A now defunct jazz club wrote me a check that bounced in January. I am considering suing the owner for $200.00 but would accept donations from a collective to replace that money that I was stiffed out of.

altered Chords June 23, 2009

@ #72 there is a reference to the plaintiff and his “wife” yet all I see in the photograph is a man and what appears to be a canine.

Apparently Tacoma is being infiltrated by folks with non-traditional definitions of marriage.

RR Anderson June 23, 2009

it is a slippery slope (probably from the access of man chowder).

dolly varden June 23, 2009

Someone needs to set up the Blackwater Coffee legal defense fund and throw a party to raise money. Maybe we could raise enough for an (undeserved) settlement offer.

Thorax June 24, 2009

“So if I contribute $100.00 will I be a partial owner?“

No. This isn’t like Weird Al’s UHF. Don’t think of it as an Obamanomics-style bailout either. It’s basically the Friends of Blackwater donating $ to help out a member of the community that gave them something they enjoyed… no different than spotting RR $5 to help pay for the extra-extra large pizza he bought at Louie G’s, but only had $28 on hand and the bill was $33

RR Anderson June 24, 2009

dude, how come I have to be in all your preverted thought experiments? It’s not fair. I’ll sue! I want some of that refinery money.

uoaaa181 June 25, 2009

This all seems very one sided. I’m a big fan (or was a big fan) of Blackwater and am still trying to find its replacement…Metro doesn’t have wireless and Satellite and Valhalla are much further away from me but seriously, from various people I’ve heard that this guy has been very generous to loan money and help out people in this community. You’ve no idea if Blackwater was paying back according to plan or not. I doubt the guy was suing just to sue, it’s not easy nor inexpensive and IF it’s the case he must have a valid reason.

Hooray for supporting local businesses but seriously guys, quit pointing fingers. All you’ve got is supposition and you’re bearing down on someone whom you probably have no idea what his role is nor what has occurred between the two of them.

As for collecting money to pay for a legal fund? Why didn’t you just go in and tip a $100 when you were a patron?

Thorax O'Tool June 25, 2009

“As for collecting money to pay for a legal fund? Why didn’t you just go in and tip a $100 when you were a patron?“

Dunno. I wasn’t a patron.

michael g. June 25, 2009

@83: Because few (if any) customers knew Blackwater was even in trouble before it suddenly closed. BTW, sorry for repeating your legal defense fund idea, TOT — that’ll teach me not to read the whole thread before posting. If Rachel signaled she’d be open to having people help bail her out, I bet folks would do it — regardless of whether or not there are two legitimate sides to the story.

Joe King June 25, 2009

I tried to reach Rachel through the old website but haven’t heard from her. She should update her site and give people that loved and supported her a way to stay in touch and let us all know where she might go or what she might do in the future.

crenshaw sepulveda June 25, 2009

Yeah, now is a really good time to be asking Rachel a bunch of questions and all. Maybe during this time she’ll just publish a little newspaper to let everyone know what is going on in the world of a former coffee shop owner.

oneginsfool June 26, 2009

As a Tacoman who’s been deployed for most of the last two years, I can tell you I missed about three things from W Washington while I’ve been gone: great friends, indie music stores, and Black Water cafe. While certainly not a hipster, I always felt welcomed and considered BW one of the best things about putting up with all the rain. Rachel taught me to appreciate good – no, GREAT, coffee (which hasn’t been so helpful over here, but that’s the breaks), and I can’t even imagine a double-macchiato with raw sugar from anywhere else.

Rachel, Luna, Drew, Wes, and everyone else from Black Water – you are, and will be sorely missed. Whatever the reasons it closed, it was an institution. I wish you all the very, very best, and hope this all sorts itself out very, very soon.

Thorax O'Tool June 26, 2009

Are we still talking about this?

Leave poor Rachel alone. We’ve thrown her under the bus enough for now.

Ian June 26, 2009

Does anyone else remember the credit card machine problem? They couldn’t get hooked up to the phone network properly in a timely manner when the store moved. I seldom use legal tender, so I ordered my first cup after the move, and was told “Don’t worry about it, we know you’re good for it.” Thinking “They must be hooked up by now…” this scenario repeated a couple times. I insisted they write it down on my punch card so I would remember to pay back, which I did.

That made me feel good personally, that they trusted me, but made me a little nervous for the business.

A necessary condition for success in business is being a bit of a stickler for insisting upon payment at time of service, or an existing credit account.

I think Rachel is unfailingly kind, stunningly beautiful, and exceedingly generous. If she adds a dash of “ruthlessly efficient” she will enjoy a lifetime of business success.

Good luck and please keep us posted when the time is right.

80 comments