ABOUT SITE 3 CAFE
Community cafe space will be programmed for youth workforce development providing hands-on and administrative learning opportunities for future business leaders.
The name 'Site 3' is an ode to White Center's historic housing Park Lake Homes. Many of our staff and community partners share our sentiments for preserving this part of White Center history as many people found community and connection at Park Lake Homes (Sites 1 and 2) in that time of their lives.
FROM LEARNING TO EARNING
Our Youth Barista Training Program is a 6.5-week workforce development program equipping opportunity youth (ages 16–24) with barista and food service skills, soft skills, and real-world café experience. Participants gain certifications, resume-building support, and job readiness for careers in the food service industry.
Focused on:
-
BIPOC, immigrant, refugee, low-income, and justice-involved youth
-
Hands-on training in espresso preparation, customer service, and food safety
-
Revenue from the café sustains the program and fuels mission-driven initiatives
A scalable model for workforce development and community empowerment.
The Barista Training Program and Site 3 Café
How does the café support the Barista Training Program? The café offers a real-world learning environment where students from the program can complete apprenticeships and gain on-the-job training, developing skills in drink preparation, customer service, and café operations.
Who will be staffing the café? As the program evolves, barista students will have the opportunity to undertake apprenticeships and gain hands-on learning experience at the café. However, café staff will likely be separate from programming. Once the café is officially open, we will have a better sense of the symbiotic relationship.
Can I come and order coffee during the Barista Training Program? Programming is closed to the public. Our trainees are hard at work, strengthening their drink-making skills. In an effort to prioritize their learning, we are not open for orders from the public.
Logistics and Timing
When will the café open to the public? We are working with contractors to update the café to meet King County Department of Health food service standards. We hope to receive our permit by the end of 2026, although we have not yet set an opening date.
Why has the café taken longer than expected to open? The space was originally designed as a simple tea café rather than a coffee shop. It was not initially expected to require a food permit because it would not sell perishable, temperature-controlled foods. As a result, the original plans did not include some accessibility features and equipment required for a food-service business. Updated requirements, including an accessible three-compartment sink for washing dishes and equipment, have also required renovations.
I’ve seen people ordering from the café during events. Why was it open then, but not now? On occasion, the cafe will soft open for events hosted by the WCCDA. These events often offer a limited menu of prepared drinks, redeemable by ticket only. The café is staffed only by WCCDA professionals during these events.
Partnerships and Sustainability
Where are you getting your beans? We are partnered with Stamp Act Coffee Roasters in Ballard for both our espresso and commercial equipment needs. Our drip coffee roast will rotate between many local roasters, including White Center’s very own DubSea Coffee, and Boona Boona Coffee in Renton.
Where will café revenue go? Revenue generated by the Café directly supports WCCDA’s mission and is allocated to: Operating costs of the café The delivery and sustainability of the Barista Training Program Broader mission programming (e.g., Customer Service, Job-Readiness, Creative Labs)
Employment and Hiring
Are we hiring baristas for the café? We are not currently hiring. Our primary focus is to strengthen the training program, provide learning opportunities for students and community members, and fine-tuning the café model.
Read About Our Work
Our Organizer
Kannith M
WC HUB Cafe Operations & Program Manager
To contact our team, please email info@wccda.org, thank you!