In a city where the rain never seems to take a break, the sun might just shine a little brighter over Golden Gardens, thanks to Seattle Parks and Recreation's latest update. A new concessionaire, The Kite Café, is set to take over the Golden Gardens Bathhouse food operations, bringing a burst of local flavor to the popular beach hangout. According to Parkways Seattle, the city's parks department awarded the long-term food concession following a rigorous proposal process that concluded last fall.
The Kite Café, run by native Ballard foodie duo Tony Meyer and Matt Kelly, is expected to hit the ground running with east-coast style sandwiches, fresh salads, and a slew of beach-friendly snacks and drinks. With Seattle's love affair for 'local and healthy', the café's commitment to sourcing ingredients from the region ticks all right boxes for park-goers and city officials alike. Though details about the menu are still under wraps, park enthusiasts have much to look forward to come May. "The Kite Café aims to bring nourishing community-driven food experiences to Seattle parks, starting with Golden Gardens," Meyer and Kelly, practically raised on the Golden Gardens sands, declared in a statement obtained by Parkways Seattle.
Hailed as a welcome addition to the Golden Gardens scene, The Kite’s vision of creating a welcoming space and fostering community connections while dishing out great food sets an optimistic tone for the beachside cafe's future. As Seattle Parks and Recreation strived to find a vendor that could deliver on innovation, affordability, and reliability, it seems their search has culminated in a promising partnership.
As part of their broader mission, the beachside eatery is flying high with aspirations to serve more than just food. With an approach that emphasizes creating jobs, especially for the youth, and molding a space for community gathering, The Kite Café is poised to become a hub for local activity. Meyer and Kelly, with their feet planted firmly in the Ballard sand since childhood, told Parkways Seattle, "The Kite’s goal is to make great beach food from locally sourced ingredients and to offer a diverse menu with healthy options, while providing a warm and welcoming space."
For Seattleites weathering the gray days, the opening of The Kite Café may be the perfect excuse to don those seldom-used sunglasses and head to the beach. The community is invited to welcome the new establishment this May, where the promise of good eats and better company awaits with open arms—or rather, open picnic tables.
