Birchwood Coffee in Yellowknife transforms on Thursday nights into Birchwood After Dark, featuring a new menu, mocktails and live DJ.
Eric Binion, owner of the café and Barren Ground Coffee, hopes the initiative – also known as BAD – will foster a sense of community.
“People want a third space downtown, and they want a place to hang out and socialize,” he said.
Third space is term that refers to a social space separate from home and work.
Binion said BAD provides people with a place to socialize that’s non-alcoholic.
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Binion said he posted the idea of BAD on Facebook one morning in late March asking for feedback By the late afternoon, he was met with an overwhelming number of replies and interactions.
“So many people asked, can you host poetry nights? Can you host art nights? Can you do this, this, and that? said Binion.
May 14 was the first night of BAD featuring live music from DJ Christerious. Binion and the staff at Birchwood aimed to transform the café into a place for social interaction outside the workplace and home.
“We wanted to elevate the space a bit, make it so people feel like it’s like a nighttime event. We wanted to keep it simple, but elegant,” said Birchwood staff member Katrina Vodnoski.
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Birchwood’s tables were kept busy last Thursday evening, with a steady stream of customers coming in and out.
“We love seeing everyone visiting and not rushing,” Vodnoski.
Xena Clarke, a customer who visited BAD on opening night, said she used to frequent the Capitol Theatre before it closed its doors and sees this place as an alternative.
“I do think that, especially with the movie theatre closing, it’s nice to be able to get out and do stuff,” said Clarke.
For others, BAD is not just a space to wind down, but for creatives to share their passion for music and art.
“We used to have a really vibrant art scene when I was growing up here, and I feel like that’s been on hiatus for a while, and it’s nice to see things like this coming back,” said customer Chris Madeaux.
Birchwood looks to continue BAD after the trial period ends, expanding it beyond Thursday nights. It is currently taking community feedback from customers.
“There is obviously a need for a community centre, and I can’t fill that need, but I will do the best that I can in bringing in people and facilitating the community aspect,” said Binion.
Running until June 4, BAD takes place on Thursday evenings from 6 to 9pm with a special dessert and mocktail menu.
