Support The Velvet Elk COVID-19 Relief in Seattle

The Velvet Elk  is an intimate cocktail bar in the Mt Baker neighborhood of South Seattle. We are a woman/LGBTQ+ owned business. We specialize in creative craft cocktails (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) and, most importantly, we are an inclusive space where everyone feels welcome and safe, especially women, people of color, and our LGBTQ+ communities.

 As Seattle has grown, a good portion of businesses that catered to diverse communities have been priced out of their historically inclusive neighborhoods and have either had to move out of the city or close permanently. The same economic pressures have also displaced Seattle's diverse people from their historical neighborhoods. As one of Seattle's small businesses that is wholeheartedly committed to being a safe and welcoming place for all diversities, we desperately want to survive this unprecedented economic crisis. We also anticipate a very long and slow recovery once we’re allowed to reopen, due to sensible spacial distancing protocols, which will limit the number of patrons that can safely occupy our tiny bar.

 The Velvet Elk opened in 2018 and has become a cherished fixture of the neighborhood as well as a community hub for diverse patrons. It is as much a cozy neighborhood bar for locals as it is a special destination for those in the greater Seattle area. The eclectic decor of the bar provides a stylish yet relaxing atmosphere for meeting friends, holding special events, and even as a unique backdrop for photographic and videography shoots. The bar is also an enthusiastic supporter of the arts and hosts performances by a diverse group of local artists and musicians throughout the year. There are also weekly "trivia" game nights, DJ-curated experiences, women and queer literary open mic, and tarot readings, among other events, each with a devoted following. The holiday celebrations at the bar are wildly popular, drawing friends old and new. The ever-changing menu of specialty cocktails made with house-made ingredients has drawn a wide fan base, including the hosts of the King 5 “Evening” show, where a segment was filmed on February 27, 2020. Because the mission of the bar embraces intersectionality, the Velvet Elk has been recognized by the nonprofit organization Intentionalist as a business that supports cultural diversity and one that has become a critical part of the heart and soul of the neighborhood. 

After 10 years working as a creative at Amazon, I set upon my path to fulfill a lifelong dream of opening a cocktail bar. This is my first bar business venture and I invested all of my financial resources into making this bar a success. After almost 2 years in business, the bar was really beginning to take off when the Covid-19 crisis hit. Now that we must remain closed for an indefinite period, with no means to bring in revenue of any kind, all five of my hard-won dream team of 5 employees (Joslyn, Kaitlin, Celestina, Tara, and Hans) had to be laid off. What remains of our cash flow is quickly depleting because of the costs of maintaining a closed bar. These expenses include a monthly lease payment, leased appliances under contract, point of purchase equipment and software lease, utility bills, internet, cellular service, security system, insurance, accounting, and tax services. If I do not receive financial help to offset these expenses, my business will have to permanently close.

 Your donation will help to defray the operational costs of these expenses during the closure. Once we are allowed to reopen, these funds will help support inventory and payroll, keeping the business afloat and operational until spatial distancing protocols can be safely lifted.

Thank you to our amazing community for your support. We are looking forward to expressing our eternal gratitude once we can welcome you back inside the bar!

#SmallBusinessRelief
#savequeervenues

Kim Beecroft, Owner
The Velvet Elk
3605 S McClellan St, Seattle, WA, 98144