Calgary’s ‘Kaffeeklatsch’ coffee shop calling for donations to stay open

Kaffeeklatsch, a popular café, music venue, and community gathering place in Calgary’s Victoria Park neighbourhood is at risk of closing due to some much needed repairs.

Kaffeeklatsch says it needs about $10,000 to fix its crumbling facade at its location on 1 Street SW and has set up a crowdfunding campaign to help stay open.

Owner and founder of the hip coffee shop/nightclub, Jessica McCarrel, says it’s not just an issue with how the building looks.

Kaffeeklatsch owner and founder Jessica McCarrel. (Tom Ross, CityNews Photo)

“We tried to do it ourselves, and it was a bit of a disaster,” McCarrel said. “We built a 15-foot scaffolding and we went up there and investigated and realized that it wasn’t just a quick cosmetic fix.”

Though it has only been open for less than two years, Kaffeeklatsch has become a popular spot for local artists, and is a known safe space for the 2SLGBTQI+ community.

McCarrel adds Kaffeeklatsch is a popular spot for local musicians, and it would be heartbreaking to close up shop.

“It’s very clear to me and all my staff that Calgary needs a safe space, they need an accessible space, they need an all ages venue, they need more supportive venues that allow for live performances,” McCarrel said.

Over a hundred donations have already pushed the local business close to its goal, and McCarrel says it’s humbling to see an outpouring of support from people.

If the crowdfunding campaign surpasses its goal, McCarrel says the extra money will go towards funding additional programs and other upgrades.