Just over a year after opening its first brick-and-mortar café in Madrona, Yoka Tea is preparing to expand to Ballard with a second Seattle location, continuing the brand’s community-focused approach to hospitality.
According to the Puget Sound Business Journal, the new 2,200-square-foot café is expected to open by early fall at 5335 Ballard Ave. NW, in the former Little Tin Goods and Apothecary space.
Founded by Marcellus Beza and Amy Park, Yoka Tea first launched as a pop-up in 2023, then opened its Madrona café in 2025.
Since then, the shop has gained a loyal following for its matcha drinks, community-centered approach, and emphasis on creating what the owners describe as a genuine third space where people can gather, slow down, work creatively, meet friends, or feel connected outside of home and work.
The expansion also aligned with the kind of neighborhood the founders always envisioned for Yoka.
“Ballard felt right because it shares a lot of the same values we care deeply about at Yoka — community, creativity, intentionality, and culture,” the owners shared with Whatnow Seattle. “What drew us in most was the feeling that people there genuinely value spaces that bring people together.”
While the new café will carry the same philosophy that shaped the Madrona location, Marcellus and Amy explained that Ballard will evolve into its own version of the Yoka experience.
“Madrona will always be incredibly special to us because it was our first real home. That space taught us so much about hospitality, community, and what people truly resonated with. The Ballard location will carry the same heart and philosophy, but it’ll evolve in its own way,” they said.
The Ballard shop will also serve as an opportunity for the team to experiment with new ideas while staying grounded in the identity that helped build Yoka’s loyal following.
Guests can expect expanded food offerings, rotating seasonal drinks, natural wine, and experiences designed to extend beyond coffee and matcha service alone. The owners are also exploring ways to keep the space active throughout the day and evening with collaborations, curated gatherings, and community-driven events.
“We’ve always loved the idea of hospitality living beyond the counter,” they explained. “A big goal for us is to continue creating experiences people remember emotionally, not just visually.”
Yoka Tea’s growth has surprised even its founders, who say the strongest response has been the emotional connection customers have built with the café.
“Of course we hoped people would enjoy the drinks and design, but what’s been most moving is hearing how much Yoka has become part of people’s routines, friendships, relationships, and even healing seasons of life. That’s something we never take lightly,” they shared.
Marcellus and Amy also added that the journey still feels surreal, considering the brand’s modest beginnings.
“We started very humbly through pop-ups, pre-orders, and small community events without really knowing what we were doing. We just kept putting one foot in front of the other and tried to build something with sincerity. Seeing people embrace that vision the way they have has honestly been the most rewarding part of this journey.”
As Yoka prepares for its next chapter, the founders say their focus remains on the people who helped the brand grow from the beginning.
“Seattle has embraced us in ways we could have never imagined when we first started as a small pop-up,” they said. “Every person who has waited in line, shared a post, brought a friend, attended a run club, or simply spent time in our spaces has helped shape what Yoka has become.”
Even as the brand continues to grow, Marcellus and Amy say they are approaching each new step with the same mindset they had when Yoka first began.
“We’re still learning, still growing, and still trying to build something meaningful day by day. We’re incredibly thankful people continue choosing to grow alongside us.”
