Closeup of Catapult's sign on Princess Street (Credit: Elizabeth MacLeod)
Catapult Coffee & Studio is reopening next Tuesday, October 13th after completing renovations.
The shop is part of social enterprise Outflow Ministry, which runs the Outflow Men’s Shelter; part of the shop’s proceeds go towards running the shelter. When COVID-19 hit in March, the shelter shifted to become a 24/7 operation, which houses 30 beds and three meals a day for 18+ men.
“All of the efforts of the organization went to making that happen and continuing our meal program that we do,” said Miriam Westin, Catapult Coffee & Studio’s manager. “We serve somewhere around 600 meals per week for folks in the community. It used to be all sit down meals, but now it’s takeout.”
Countdown to Catapult Coffee & Studio’s reopening (Credit: Elizabeth MacLeod)
“It has been difficult in some ways, but at the same time I’m super grateful for the frontline staff that work there to keep the place operating smoothly and providing a really great place for the guys,” said Jayme Hall, Executive Director of Outflow Ministry.
With the shop closed and all efforts going towards the shelter, the construction crew, Catapult Construction, had the chance to do renovations and Catapult stayed closed longer to complete them.
“We were planning to do those renovations, but they just kind of kept being put off, so it worked out while we were closed to start getting some more time in there,” said Westin.
Catapult Coffee & Studio’s workers were laid off at the beginning of the lockdown. However, Westin says some former employees were able to get jobs elsewhere, with Catapult reopening with a staff of three and a possibility of more hires down the line.
Westin said they have put in a fireplace to make better use of the studio’s space. “It’s just making the space in the back usable, so in the upcoming months we’re hoping that we’ll be able to start expanding back there.”
