EVERETT The Bayside Cafe, a fully plant-based eatery in Everett, will serve its last meals this Sunday, marking the end of a six-year run.
The closure announcement, posted Monday on the café’s social media, cited sustained declines in customer traffic and revenue as the primary reason for shutting down. At the time of its founding, it stood among the city’s sole全 vegan dining destinations and became a hub for live performances and community gatherings.
“We know this may come as a surprise, and we’re truly sorry to the communities who consider us part of their home,” the post stated. It extended gratitude to the vegan and live-music scenes, mutual aid networks, LGBTQIA+ groups, advocacy circles, and loyal patrons who supported the café from its earliest days.
The space, located at 2913 W Marine View Drive, opened in the midst of the pandemic, with Jasper Mosbacher and Ryan Housner at the helm. Their concept centered on reimagining classic diner fare, think burgers, fries, and comfort staples, using only plant-based ingredients, a model that earlier reporting noted resonated with locals seeking inclusive, meat-free options.
On September 1, Sean Burke, who launched the mobile vegan pizzeria The Pizza Resistance, assumed operations. The August announcement acknowledged Mosbacher’s foundational role, adding that he would continue contributing through talent coordination and catering efforts. Burke declined to speak about the transition this past Thursday.
Housner, who departed Bayside last summer and now runs Strange Ways Bar and Stage in Everett, reflected on the emotional weight of the closure.
“I dedicated a lot of time to crafting a menu that offered something distinct,” he said. “It’s not always easy to find the kind of food we serve here, and that made it special.”
Menu highlights included seitan-based wings flavored with sugarcane bone and other creative takes on pub favorites.
Mosbacher had not responded to interview requests as of Thursday. According to the announcement, the incoming leadership team entered the venture with optimism about reversing course. Still, they encountered persistent challenges, including aging kitchen equipment, recurring staffing gaps, ongoing building upkeep, and regulatory compliance demands. Ultimately, revenue growth lagged.
“We’ve simply not been able to establish long-term financial sustainability here,” the post explained.
Sales dropped roughly 30% each month since August, with even well-attended events often operating at a net loss. The broader economic climate factored into the struggle: patrons cut back on dining out and discretionary spending, the café noted.
Efforts to stabilize operations included seeking external investment, applying for additional financing, and exploring transitions, including a proposal for an animal rights group to acquire the space and operate it as a nonprofit. Though initial interest emerged, no formal takeover has materialized.
To close its chapter, the café plans a final-week celebration, inviting guests to visit throughout the week. Ticketed events are scheduled for Friday through Sunday, while staff continue to utilize remaining stock. Patrons are encouraged to follow the café’s Instagram account, @the_bayside_cafe, for real-time updates, as some team members have already shifted responsibilities.
“We’ll miss you all more than words can say,” the closing message read.