The exterior of the building is still forest green with red trim, but the interior of Boulevard Grocery (2007 NE Ravenna Blvd) has undergone quite a transformation this year.
Since Seven Coffee Roasters’ Sean Lee took over the business around the close of 2011, the barely 800-square-foot neighborhood grocery store has added two more jobs to its own resume: cafe and art space. All three facets seek to tempt both long-time residents and university students alike to come in, enjoy each others’ company, and head home with food and drink for their tables.
We stopped by the 96-year-old-building in January (for the soft open) and again here in April to witness the progress and share it with you here.
From left to right: Owner Sean, Barista Patrick, and Manager Jeff (photo taken at the soft open)
Whole bean Seven Coffee Roaster coffee was first to line the shelves back in January...
...and has since been joined by other goods such as pasta, oatmeal, soup, condiments, and more.
The Four Loko is gone, happily replaced by 22 oz bottles of local beers.
Wall o' wine at the rear of the store.
During our January visit these built-in benches had just been completed. They've since been joined by a large table.
The new pastry case, rife with hand pies from High 5 Pie.
Sandwiches by Blue Saucer in Maple Leaf wait to be purchased for a picnic.
Bread by the Essential Baking Company, delivered every other day.
Free toast with coffee special advertised next to a jar of doggie treats.
Sorry, kitty: No treats for you.
A small flock of origami birds cluster together on a windowsill.
A painting of Boulevard Grocery itself, done by a local.
The Compassion Wizard even hangs out here.
A mixed media work by Narboo (note the plastic soda can rings on the left).
A limited run of handpainted bags on display -- portions of each sale go to the artist, the store, and a charity.
With the beans removed, your coffee bean bag artwork is suitable for framing.
For more on the gallery side of Boulevard Grocery, check out this piece by Lauren Kronebusch of The Daily at the University of Washington: “Boulevard Gallery: View From A Coffee Cup.”
Boulevard Grocery is also holding an artwalk this Friday, April 21st, from 6-9 PM. Works by Greenwood’s Narboo and Starheadboy will be showcased, with live acoustic music.
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