About 15 years ago, before they were married, locals Gavin and Katie Black dreamed of opening a cozy little bar. Life took them on a different path, and the couple opened IGNITE Dance & Yoga in 2010.
That year was a tough year to open a business, but little did they know that March 2020 would be an even tougher year to open their dream second business, Ignition. They signed the lease for their new space right before everything shut down due to the virus.
Covid restrictions have made the timing of opening a café tricky, but it has allowed the Blacks to really develop the space better than they had originally imagined.
The inside is warm and inviting, with a beautiful wooden bar with vintage accents and beautiful stained-glass details throughout. Seating will include a large bench seat with tables and chairs, bar seating, and a high-top table option, giving customers multiple options.
The patio is their next focus, which will be done over the next month. The mountain views from inside are incredible and even more expansive from the soon-to-be-done outdoor patio space. They hope to be ready to open by May.
The food will be high-quality, healthy options, including paninis, salads, soups, grain bowls, empanadas, all-day breakfast, healthy smoothies, acai bowls, and snack options. They will have great appetizers – a cheese plate, charcuterie board, olive tapenade, hummus, tzatziki and more. All this includes vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.
As for drinks, they’ve partnered with Marta Rothnie of Snoqualmie’s Dark Horse Brew, who will be roasting their own Ignition beans, and they will include a full coffee and tea menu, beer on draft, including a local handle from Volition, and great wine options including some local favorites like Pearl & Stone and Sigillo.
If this sounds like a fun place to work, they are currently hiring staff. Says Gavin, “We are looking for reliable, kind, and trustworthy employees to join our team! Responsibilities include but are not limited to making espresso, food and drink prep, customer service etc. (FOH and BOH). Barista experience and/or restaurant experience is a plus! Applicants must be over 21. Anyone interested can e-mail their resume and/or work experience to nbignition@gmail.com.”
When asked how community support has been, the answer was a resounding “Outstanding!” They say they’ve loved living and working in the community for the last 12 years, and the response to Ignition has warmed their hearts. We genuinely enjoy the space and cannot wait to welcome people in!
Ignition is located right off North Bend Way, in the same complex as IGNITE, and we can hardly wait to stop by, get some food and say, well done, and good luck to the hard-working couple.
