HARRISONBURG, Va. (WHSV) – Downtown business Aristocat Cafe situated subsequent to the Mashita restaurant on Liberty St., has helped greater than 100 cats discover loving houses simply over one 12 months after opening its doorways.
“Every business of course hopes for that but it’s still overwhelming and incredibly humbling,” proprietor Amanda Atwell mentioned.
Aristocat opened in April 2023 with a mission of welcoming group members with tea, espresso, and cats.
“We didn’t really expect to have you know, a lot of adoptions in our first year. But we’ve had 120, two weeks after our first birthday so I’ll take that,” Atwell mentioned.
Aristocat companions with the Humane Society of Shenandoah County, a foster-only rescue based mostly out of Woodstock. The rescue sends cats to Aristocat the place they keep within the 500 sq. foot ‘Cat Loft’ separate from the cafe space, for folks to socialize with in the event that they so select.
“We do ask people who go in there for the hour for $15, and if you fall in love with a cat in there then you can adopt them and take them home. I just think it’s a great way to meet a cat that’s going to be the way they are in your home,” Atwell mentioned.
The cafe additionally serves 96 several types of free leaf teas and occasional from fellow Harrisonburg business Merge. The business has additionally joined the ‘hanging teas and coffee’ motion which is rising in recognition across the Shenandoah Valley, and was began by former Arisotcat volunteer Stuart Nagy in Shenandoah County. The pay-it-forward type program consists of shoppers buying an merchandise, and hanging the receipt for another person to seize to obtain the drink at no cost.
“So if it’s just been a day, you could come in and grab a receipt that’s already been paid for and get yourself just a chill out that’s a coffee or a tea,” Atwell mentioned.
Atwell mentioned even when group members might not be curious about felines, the cafe area is all about being collectively.
“To be that foster and then also be a safe welcoming space for our community at large over here where we have several book clubs, and crafting clubs and some gaming clubs and we do paint night and yoga and just lots of fun community things,” Atwell mentioned.
Atwell mentioned she seems ahead to persevering with to serve the group within the coronary heart of Harrisonburg’s downtown. You can be taught extra about Aristocat Cafe by visiting its web site right here.
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