Help Save Katora, the little shop doing big things
Donation protected
“A community cafe where everyone is welcome & hate has no home”
At KatoraFXBG, every cup of coffee and tea has played a crucial role in bringing us to this point. Here, we're ready to declare our vision and mission boldly. We're not afraid to admit that we need assistance to achieve our goals. Despite our willingness to work hard, the fear of losing something precious to our community has often left us feeling silenced and overwhelmed as we strive to keep it alive, regardless of personal sacrifices.
Our vision for KatoraFXBG is to serve as a platform where this incredible and inspiring work can thrive. We envision it as a place where we can all come together and collaborate on a systemic level to address various social needs.
With our reputation in the community as a safe haven for marginalized populations, we aim to lead the way towards more authentic engagement between resource providers and those in need. KatoraFXBG will be the beacon guiding us towards meaningful change and genuine connections within our community.
Christian understands that to make this effort successful, he needs to be more hands-on in the shops again. We've learned that moving too fast can sometimes cause problems, and our past experiences have shown us the importance of pacing ourselves. His main focus will be on completing existing projects and making sure procedures are consistent across all locations. Balancing between the shops has been challenging, juggling tasks like maintaining consistency, managing inventory, controlling costs, and keeping track of orders. He plans to split his time intentionally between being the Executive Director for KatoraFXBG and serving as a Work Readiness Navigator with Micah Ministries.
This is where we need your help! Our fight is far from over, and we recognize our continued importance in this town. We are currently seeking $87,800. Our plans are as follows:
- Working capital (6 months): to alleviate some stress and help us to continue growing and adding new programs
- Debt reduction: knock down some past and current compounding debt
- Back tax debt: square up with the state and our city
- Shop repairs and compliance: plumbing/electrical
If, within a year, we haven't figured out a sustainable model for our community, then we can graciously sail into the sunset, knowing we did all we could and even asked the community we love to help bail us out.
OUR STORY
Katora's journey began in 2017 when April and Christian first met. With deep ties to the community, our dream has always been to create a welcoming space that supports recovery, mental health, LGBTQ+ inclusion, and celebrates the arts and music scene. Located in downtown Fredericksburg VA , Katora Coffee is our plant-based café. In late 2019, we expanded to a second location on the University of Mary Washington campus.
Over the past (almost) seven years, we've learned a lot as small business owners, balancing work with family life. Initially, we worked side by side in the shop before the challenges of COVID-19 hit which led us both to obtaining full-time jobs. We've faced setbacks, from struggling sales to navigating loans and financial pressures. However, our incredible staff has remained dedicated, helping us weather the storm. They not only understand our mission but also serve as allies and ambassadors within the community.
We've tapped into our circle of friends, hit up banks, and leaned on family for loans. We've used retirement savings, our full-time income and tax refunds to keep the shops afloat. Maxing out credit cards has wrecked our credit score, and being on the hook for the COVID-era SBA loan means we're stuck renting – no owning a house for us anytime soon. The constant stress of looking after our staff has really taken its toll on both of us. It's clear that keeping things going like this isn't fair to our family anymore, but our passion for these spaces is what's keeping us hanging on.
Our shops have grown into more than just places to grab a coffee – they're bustling community hangouts where people connect, careers kick off, and creativity thrives. We're proud to be a safe haven for marginalized folks in our area, offering a spot where they can be themselves and mingle with like-minded souls. Here, it's all about trying new things and having meaningful chats – we don't just encourage it, we cheer it on. Your pronouns and chosen name? They matter here.
Lots of our regulars have been with us since high school, through college, and back again. Lovebirds have found each other, startups have launched, musicians have kickstarted their careers, and artists are making a name for themselves – selling their pieces, snagging commissions, and even setting up their own shops nearby. We're all about teamwork too – teaming up with local organizations and nonprofits to create a vibe of welcome and understanding that's become our signature move.
Our business operates differently from standard cafes. We focus on offering high-quality, healthy, organic, and sustainable products at reasonable prices, alongside hosting themed events, most without entry fees. As time has passed, our events have become increasingly profitable each month, as we are currently booking out as far as May! We've also expanded our retail offerings with Frog & Mantis (fine art printing) and Watts Comics (indie comics and graphic novels) joining us in a unique business-in-a-business setup. Additionally, we're exploring opportunities to rent wall space to up-and-coming artists for gallery exhibitions, adding another dimension to our revenue streams.
Despite our progress, we've faced challenges. While managing our own bookkeeping with a local CPA's guidance, we've recognized the need to switch to full-service bookkeeping for tax compliance. This change will streamline operations, like our efficient payroll system, and is crucial for our growth.
Despite these obstacles, our dedication to this community remains steadfast. We're committed to serving and adapting, but we can't do it alone. Your support is invaluable as we navigate this journey together.
We're dedicated to serving this community for years to come. Katora has been a springboard for countless individuals, and it'd be a shame for our journey to end here.
With love and gratitude. Katora loves you!
Christian and April Zammas
The Littles:
Sadie Sayler (age 11)
CJ Zammas (age 16)
Nicky Zammas (age 10)
Interested in learning more about us? Let’s explain Katora’s DNA!
CAFE CONCEPT
Our brick-and-mortar locations embody our vision of a recovery-based space that welcomes all as guests, offering a safe environment for creatives to connect and explore their talents. Specializing in plant-based drinks, loose-leaf teas, smoothies, vegan savory and baked goods, our downtown café is intertwined with an event space, recording studio, and art gallery, all showcasing diverse creative local artists. Our team consists of creatives deeply committed to the well-being of the community and dedicated to fostering personal connections. Everyone is welcome at Katora. You have a name and we want to know it. Our space is a safe space, a sober space, where you are encouraged to get to know your neighbor. Providing authentic welcoming guest service is the primary mission for our front line.
KATORA EVENTS
Katora Events specializes in event coordination, offering comprehensive booking, management, and hosting services offered by Ethan Rusch . This includes Open Mics (Music, Comedy, Poetry), Live Music & Showcases, Spoken Word Poetry Slams, Art Meetups, Art Shows, D&D games , Drag Shows, Book Clubs & Signings, AI Workshops, and more. Katora Events serves as the central contact point for all events hosted at a Katora location, providing centralized calendar management for increased efficiency.
THE LAB AT KATORA
The Lab at Katora , led by Chieftaine , is a digital recording and production studio situated within the 615 Caroline Street venue space. Our focus is on fostering collaboration among artists and providing a direct channel for open mic participants. The Lab offers custom beat creation and engineering workshops. New this year, The Lab in collaboration with Frog & Mantis will provide press packages for up-and-coming artists, offering them support to launch their careers and showcase their talents.
THE ARTS
Explore our retail space featuring local makers and American-made goods. Discover Frog & Mantis for fine art printing and Watts Comics for indie comics. Dive into OddBoys for creative characters inspired by Fredericksburg lore. Join us for art pop-ups and maker events. Our weekly art night meetup and the occasional creative workshop, help you stay connected and educated. We envision a community where the arts are not only appreciated but also instrumental in shaping the future of all our youth.
Organizer
April Zammas
Organizer
Fredericksburg, VA