Hey, we’re LONGWAY and we’re hosting a campaign to help us expand our coffee seating and offerings.
I didn’t mean to open a coffee shop, which is the best part of it all. I just simply wanted to make use of the space under the stairs in the back and when trying to imagine what it could be, a secret coffee house was just something that wouldn't leave my brain. It was selfish, really, because I longed for a really good cappuccino.
The intent of the space was a very simple but well done coffee house that would provide shoppers with a little extra treat while they were in the store. Never did we think this tiny coffee nook would become the driving force of the whole space.
But, what a gift it has been to see the coffee shop grow legs of its own. It really brings so much joy seeing the community this tiny, hidden coffee shop has created... so special to see it resonate with so many.
The video below explains more (we know the video is not perfect but we tried our best and is a great way to hear the whole picture)-- how I stood in the way of growth for a long time, mainly because I was too stubborn. You see, LONGWAY is actually my clothing label that I design and produce ethically here is San Fransisco, Los Angeles and Peru-- a mainly D to C brand that has deeper roots non locally. The shop was originally the flagship of the brand with coffee only being added later after we stopped teaching textile arts in the back. But, it turns out, the community loves the cafe. It is bursting at the seams. So, it is time to step back and let this afterthought thrive.
The money raised in this campaign will help tremendously in the buildout and permitting of the expansion-- plumbing and tiling and electrical and fixtures and furniture and permits and new machines and vessels. Whew! And while all of this is exciting, every detail thought about thoroughly and questioned at length, it is very taxing financially without investors or capital.
So, here we are. Here I am.
I am so grateful that over the years our community has offered help at different times and I really appreciate every single person who reached out during Covid and our break-in offering support. Until now, I have been hesitant to accept. I am hard headed. But now with the realities of costs, I decided to launch this fundraiser to finally accept the help offered. (eek, so hard and so vulnerable!) See below for sweet little gifts for your contributions (and deals if you are a daily customer- like coffee for a year at a discount! please make sure you send us your receipt so we can send the rewards!)
We are excited about this growth- adding the most gorgeous seating and a better ordering system in the front of the store where we won't be hidden in the back, plumbing out the requirements in the front to do so under code, tiling, adding the equipment needed to expand our menu with more bites like toasts & protein smoothies (and more drinks too!)
Thank you all. If you have any questions please reach out.
xo KRIS and the LONGWAY team-
(Ian, Bob, Cass, Gina, Evajoy, Gen, Judith, Kieran, Elliana and Neve)
DAMN HOW I LOVE OUR TEAM.
PS- We are thrilled to brew LADY FALCON coffee- a locally roasted, woman owned coffee brand out of the Outer Sunset. Owner Buffy is such an inspiration and we are grateful for the partnership.
We are also thrilled to have hired Adam of Black Crate ( you can see his beautiful work at our neighbors, Voyage and Souvenir!) --an independently owned wood shop with unmatched style and craftsmanship-- to build out seating and details in the shop. Beyond his work, Adam was a “heck yes” because he’s local to San Francisco, sources wood with intention, and is everything unique and one-of-a-kind, just like this town we all love.
PSS- if we raise more money than 25k we are hoping to add in essentials like air conditioning and new front windows. Isn't life exciting?
Fundraiser ends May 21, 2024.
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Fun rewards to say 'thank you'!
PLEASE NOTE - to send your reward, we need your contact information when you contribute to our campaign. Please Forward your receipt to grow@longwaycalifornia.com to get your goodies!
With that, please see dates of expected delivery.
$10 - Sticker + a high five! (Expected delivery June 1 - 15)
$25 - 4 coffees (Expected delivery June 1 - 15)
This reward also includes sticker listed above.
$50 - LONGWAY diner mug (Expected delivery July 1 - 15)
This reward also includes 4 coffees and sticker listed above.
$75 - LONGWAY hat (Expected delivery July 1 - 15)
This reward also includes 4 coffees and sticker listed above.
$100 - LONGWAY tote (Expected delivery July 1 - 15)
This reward also includes diner mug, 4 coffees and sticker listed above.
$250 - $300 gift card for LONGWAY (Expected delivery June 1 - 15)
Used online or in store
$500 - VIP backer party (Expected delivery June 1 - 15)
You + the rest of the backers 500+ will join us for a part-ay! Details, TBD. Bring your dancing shoes. This reward also includes diner mug, 4 coffees, sticker and tote listed above.
$1500 - UNLIMITED COFFEE subscription for 1 year (Expected delivery June 1 - 15)
free coffee of choice a day for a year!
$5000 - Private event @ the flagship! (Expires June, 2025)
Treat yourself and 20 guests to an exclusive night at our flagship. We'll provide the space, appetizers, drinks and all details. You bring the fun.
PLEASE NOTE - to send your reward, we need your contact information when you contribute to our campaign. Please Forward your receipt to grow@longwaycalifornia.com to get your goodies!
Follow our process in "real time" on Instagram!
