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 is 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!

Betuel stayed on when we took over the cafe space and we are honored that he decided to stay on with our team. He is our right hand man in the kitchen, providing us with much of our daily prep work. Among other things, Betuel makes the Wraps, Panini, focaccia, Dilled Chicken, Pesto Tortelloni, Meatloaf, and helps out with much, much more. Muchas Gracias, Betuel!

Sharon has worked at the café since the beginning as well. She is usually the first face you will see in the mornings and loves every customer who walks in our doors. She is in charge of most of the ordering, and she helps us keep the place running smoothly. Sharon’s input is invaluable to me in my decision-making and I always know I can count on her to help me think things through. Sharon’s laugh is infectious and makes my day when I hear it!

Rheycel started in October of 2008 and she jumped in with gusto! She was thrown into the mix rapidly when staffing and weather played havoc on all of us and she has always fit in like a natural part of the team. We love Rheycel’s willingness to adapt and her wry sense of humor, and she tosses a mean salad. She shines on the line and keeps the team running like a top.

Victoria joined our team August of 2009. Her fantastic team spirit and hospitality shine through every day and she is a joy to work with. She is eager to learn new things and share her knowledge with the rest of us. Vicki is our number one customer service pro, and she enjoys serving at catering jobs as well as working the front of the cafe and catering.

Chelsea started with us in January 2013 and began taking charge up front right off the bat. She is now making delicious soups and salads and is excited to start learning the catering side of things as well. Chelsea is so smart and sassy! We are lucky to have her in our world.

Jason joined the team in April 2013 and is baking on Saturdays with Mark. He loves most sports but is a HUGE Seahawks fan, so you can always give him a “Go Hawks” shoutout on Saturdays! We love the energy he brings in with him.

alfred001

Alfred came to us in the Summer of 2013 as what we thought was going to be a temporary gig. Instead he created a job for himself and is now indispensable to us! He will be sorely missed when he goes away to college this Fall, for both his innovative spirit and his great sense of humor!

Mayra

Mayra bravely jumped in with us March of 2014, starting as a painfully shy intern from Coffee Oasis. Her courage and spirit shone through immediately and she fought her urge to hide from the first moment she started. She is a lovely beacon of warmth for anyone who comes in and we are so proud to be a part of her growth!

HONORABLE MENTION

Paul Gregory is 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!