The Memphis area is getting an adorable new caffeine infusion, and it promises to be the cat’s meow. Matt and Crystal Stephens are bringing Fancy Cat Cafe to DeSoto County, and locals will be able to stop in for kitty cuddles and a great cup of coffee before the year is out, reports Commercial Appeal.
Co-owner Matt Stephens generously carved out some time to speak with What Now Memphis about bringing this new endeavor to fruition and why 5048 Getwell Road will make the purrfect location to launch the concept. “The area that we’re in in Southaven here is a very family friendly atmosphere.” he explains. “Silo Square is a nice walking area and right down the road… it seems to be a great fit, a place where people can go, relax, hangout with adoptable animals and enjoy the day.”
Fancy Cat Cafe allows Matt and Crystal to pursue two unique and compatible pet pursuits under one roof. Matt states: “It kind of blends both of what we like to do. We like coffee and we like rescuing animals and this was the best way to combine these two passions.”
Fancy Cat Cafe will streamline the adoption process, ensuring homeless kitties end up in loving homes. Stephens explains: “We’re working with a local non-profit- the Pet Compassion Project- who works with the majority of the shelters in the area. They provide the veterinary care and we’ll get the cats directly from them, so when they arrive they are already adoptable and ready to go, clean bill of health, microchip, the whole kit and caboodle.”
Fancy Cat will not, however, be taking in any customers’ pets, an important distinction. Stephens states: ”We’re not a rescue ourselves. We can’t allow people to bring in their own animals or drop animals off to us and expect us to take them in or treat them.”
Future customers can look forward to a classic cafe menu once the eatery opens. Stephens describes what’s in store, saying: “We’re going to do hot and cold coffees as well as cold brew drinks, a full line. We’re working with a couple of different caterers locally to get freshly made pastries and sandwiches to provide throughout the day.”
Fancy Cat will welcome visitors to enjoy new feline friends and a delicious nosh in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. “Our decor and mood for the cafe and part of the cat room is a homey area-dark woods, greenery, a very relaxing, zen space to come in and spend your time. The cat cafe is split in two sides-a fun, eclectic neon pink area, and ‘the grandma room’, with a leather couch, wood finishing, more of a homey area. The coffee and the cat room are, per all health codes, in separate areas.”
Locals will be able to enjoy a warm drink and a warm kitty before the year is out. Stephens explains: “We are working on the buildout now. We expect to have that done by the end of October. Decorating, hiring and training will be the majority of November.”
Stephens is currently hoping to open Fancy Cat Cafe the last Friday of November. Future regulars can follow Fancy Cat’s progress on its Facebook page for updates and superior feline content.
