Our Team

Mark and I could not do anything without our amazing staff. We are so grateful to each of them for all the hard work that they put in, and we want you to know them, too. We had a wonderful original crew who all decided to stay and help us grow. Most of them have since moved on to different paths, and we have welcomed new team members in. It is the ebb and flow of business, yet since we are truly a family here, each one of those occasions is something to celebrate.

Mark Downen – Lead Baker, Business Partner & Husband

Our lead baker, my business partner and my husband. Mark has always had a knack for baking and working with his hands; he was an auto mechanic for 16 years prior to this career move. We have been dating since 1987, when he was in the Marine Corps and I was in college. We married in 1991 and Mark has never failed to support me in anything; this café is no exception. I am Monica Downen, co-owner and operator of Monica’s Waterfront Bakery & Café. After I earned a B.A. in Criminal Justice I worked for the King County Sheriff’s Office for 15 years as a dispatcher/911 Operator. In July of 2005 I quit my job and, with the encouragement of my friends and family, entertained the idea of opening a restaurant. I had worked in all aspects of restaurants throughout high school and college, but that was a long time ago, so I knew I had some learning to do. After 11 months of informational interviews, mentoring and training, we opened this cafe under our own management.This life is far more than I could have ever bargained for, and I love every second of it. Even the less pleasant stuff is a learning experience and I start, and end, every single day with a huge THANK YOU!

Paul Gregory – Farmer

Our main farmer and definitely part of our team. He owns and runs Gregory Farms, growing delicious food organically and sustainably, just a few miles down the road. He has a CSA that you can join and pick up at the farm or right here at the cafe. He grows much of our produce, including kale and other hearty greens, 2 kinds of onions, carrots, cucumbers, melons, and more. He also forages for us and brings our huckleberries, sour cherries, rhubarb and many other delicious things. Thank goodness for farmers!

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