The Gem City Catfe had their grand opening on Jan. 2, 2018. Located at 1513 E. Fifth St., the Catfe brings a very new business model to Dayton, combining a local coffee shop and a sanctuary for select cats.
“I was in marketing when I noticed the catfe idea cropping up in America,” Karin Gudal-Johnson, owner of the Gem City Catfe said. “When I was originally making plans I thought an existing rescue would partner up with an existing coffee shop. When that didn’t work, this came to fruition.”
Finding an effective location for the catfe was the next step. Gudal-Johnson knew from the beginning that she wanted her catfe to be in Downtown Dayton, and after looking at a few places including the South Park area and the Oregon district, ultimately decided the catfe would fit best right on East Fifth Street.
“The neighborhood was really friendly,” Gudal Johnson began, “and the community very well established. There were empty buildings that needed work, so I took the initiative.”
For those who have asked since it is a relatively new business, what is a catfe?
Simply put, it is a relaxing cafe patrons can attend for all of their regular coffee needs with an added bonus, that being the cats. For a small fee, consumers can sit in a well furnished room with some of Dayton’s friendliest cats and pet, play with or watch the cats.
The cat part of the catfe is not a business, but rather a non-profit shelter for cats named Gem City Kitties. The cats are screened before admission to the catfe to make sure they are the type of cats who love being around people and are comfortable around other cats.
Gem City Kitties handles these cats, and any adoption that may happen at the establishment. While the catfe will not push any of their patrons to adopt one of their cats, it is certainly welcome and eight cats have already been adopted.
T
he whole operation is kept sanitary using a few different processes. The kitty part of the catfe is separated by two doors, both of which cannot be opened at the same time. Additionally, the building has separate ventilation, one for the cat room and one for the cafe. This ensures no mixing of air, to prevent cat hair from falling anywhere in the cafe.
While the kitties provide a comforting atmosphere, the coffee is the main attraction for the Gem City Catfe. The lead barista, Shelby Lewis, has been one for seven years, and got the opportunity to design the kitchen at the Gem City Catfe. She has participated in latte art competitions before, and is currently busy training her young crew on how to become equally accomplished.
Another feature of the Gem City Catfe is the use of space. Upon entering there is a fair sized sitting room positioned next to the barista counter, with a large viewing window into the cat room.
It does not end there, for if you round the corner and go up the stairs you will walk into a dining room. This rather large room has many wide tables that could fit study groups, and the walls are adorned with works from local Dayton artists. A different artist is shown each quarter. The works of Amy Kollar Anderson is featured currently.
Admission to the cat room is $10, and can be booked ahead of time. Alternatively, customers can opt to buy a $25 membership. This membership ensures they and any one that accompanies them pays $5 on a return visit. The Gem City Catfe is open late for any kind of work, especially study groups.
This local business is in close proximity to campus, and is a place where students can get a cup of coffee, cuddle with some kitties and study in the upstairs room among local Dayton art.
Jake Conger
Reporter