According to a recent permit filing, Top Dead Center Cafe aims to debut at 7701 Aurora Avenue N.
“We are still in construction but are targeting an opening date of March 15th. Our fallback date is April 2nd, but we have a lot of permits to finalize. Top Dead will be a motorcycle-focused, European motorsports space with a 50-60s racing aesthetic,” owner Andy Taylor told What Now Seattle.
“The space was once a showroom and place to go (Moto International), and we are taking it back to its European roots. We are going to have a coffee-forward menu and will be serving Stumptown Coffee. Also, we will have beer and wine options, we are just working on a license.”
“We will have on-tap options and a lot of local stuff, which might not be ready when we first start. The menu will have high-quality deli meat for panini sandwiches.”
“We will be opening the front room, or the cafe, at first, with the plan to expand in the back room and provide a bigger space. We’re looking to be a summer destination with the side lot, too. The music will be TBD, but it will likely be an early 2000s rock vibe, maybe some Slayer.”
“Top Dead will have a really nice bathroom space and a retail area. We plan to bring in some Japanese imported and/or used clothes, with retail options ranging from stickers, pins, and some gear. What we bring in will be based on stuff we love, and Top Dead will have a strong retail presence, too.”
“The goal is for Top Dead Center Cafe to be more inclusive, family-friendly, and a space for all ages. We want to bridge the gap between hyper-masculine and expensive showroom experiences and provide a more approachable and inclusive experience instead.”
“We really are trying to make it more than just a motorcycle hang out, and are very focused on the inclusive elements. Every decision is made with the customer in mind first.”
“For the name, “top dead center” refers to the positions of a motor when working on it, basically referring to “all things at the right place”. Another way to look at it is that everything is in harmony and sync. I jumped on the opportunity with the history of the space and my connection to the community. My connection to the space was through Moto International, originally.”
Edit: Some information was updated or removed upon request after the article was published.
