SoulFood Coffee House Forges Ahead
Amid a trend of local business closures around town, one Redmond touchstone is staying put.
Performer Adrena Lynn Rush at The Bold and the Brewtiful fundraiser night. Madeline Virginia/Redmond Moments
By Madeline Virginia
May 20, 2025
On April 25th, a crowd gathered around the small wood-paneled stage at SoulFood Coffee House. “The Bold and the Brewtiful” was about to start, a drag show raising funds for a big shakeup at SoulFood: the coffee house is under new ownership.
SoulFood achieves the vibes of a quintessential Seattle coffee shop, a place where it’s best to sit down for a spell and enjoy your drink. It’s got oversized leather chairs, a metaphysical marketplace, art exhibits, hand drawn notes from customers adorning the walls, and the smell of Caffe Lusso coffee beans in the air.
The new owner of SoulFood Coffee House is Lauren Stein, a fourth grade teacher turned barista. She’s got eight years under her belt at SoulFood, and takes on the new role with the blessings of her predecessor, Makia Oaks. Another previous owner, Clint McCune, even knighted Lauren at a silent auction fundraiser night. (Yes, there was a sword involved.)
Stein spoke at the event, saying, “We want to continue moving into the future, progressing, taking care of one another. We need it now more than ever.”
Previous owner Makia Oaks with current owner Lauren Stein. Via SoulFood Coffee House Instagram.
Previous owner Clint McCune knights current owner Lauren Stein. Via SoulFood Coffee House Instagram.
The full house at the Drag Night fundraiser is a testament to the community adoration of SoulFood, and how much room there is in Redmond for third places, individuality, and art. Lauren is also elevating baristas Elli and Molly to form her leadership team. Together, the three plan to focus on more events and experiment with longer hours and theme nights, like the free Board Game Night coming up on May 22nd.
The Bold and the Brewtiful drag show happens the last Saturday of every month, and SoulFood has a packed calendar for other events at the shop. SoulFood Coffee House is located at 15748 Redmond Way in Downtown Redmond, Washington.
