Gatos and Beans
Gatos and Beans is a "cat café", offering coffee and other refreshments in a space shared with several adoptable foster cats. The business was opened by Stephen and Kelli Steward on July 20, 2019 in a former tire shop at 4838 3rd Court South in East Avondale. The project was supported by a 2nd place finish in REV Birmingham's 2018 "The Big Pitch" contest, for which the business was awarded a package of marketing, accounting and legal services valued at $10,000.
Murals decorating the shop were painted by Paula Smith, Daniel Gilchrist Weingarten and Katie Upton. The coffee bar itself was designed by Tracy Hand. Stephen Steward designed and built the climbing platforms and other cat-friendly furnishings.
The 1,500 square-foot space is divided between food service and feline socializing. The Stewards partnered with Kitty Kat Haven in Hoover to furnish its resident cats. The pet adoption process is handled through that organization.
The café menu includes cat-themed specials (Maine Coon Mocha, Gato Latte and Hot Chocolate Calico). Reserved hour-long bookings in the cat area are offered for a $10 fee, which includes one coffee drink. The space is also available to walk-in customers if space is available.
References
- Colurso, Mary (August 2, 2019) "Alabama’s first cat cafe, Gatos and Beans, aims to make animal lovers purr." The Birmingham News
- Gann, Heather (February 11, 2024) "Birmingham’s Gatos and Beans cat café will remain open after founder’s death." AL.com
External links
- Gatos and Beans website
- Gatos and Beans on Facebook.com