Meet Marceil Van Camp, the co-owner of Kamp Social House in Seattle’s Madison Park neighborhood. At Kamp, there’s a little something for everyone. Business and life partners Katy Knauff and Marceil Van Camp founded the restaurant in 2022 with the belief that life is a little better when we embrace a little more – that’s why they always leave room at their table for one more. Whether you come alone or with a group, you’re sure to feel right at home.
Get to know more about Katy and Marceil and Kamp Social House in this week’s Business Spotlight Q&A.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
What’s your favorite part about the community your business is in & why?
Kamp is owned by Katy Knauff and Marceil Van Camp, a lesbian couple who fell in love with the Seattle food scene. They found a need to create a space where all are welcome and great food is the norm.
As a business owner, what’s the strangest or craziest idea you’ve ever tried?
We have a motto ‘something for everyone’ at Kamp, and that applies to our bar as well. Our bar menu features cocktails ranging from boozy to unboozy, as a night out doesn’t have to end in a hangover. We want all to feel welcome and safe at Kamp, and our menu reflects that inclusivity.
What’s something your customers may not know about you or your business?
Kamp’s Executive Chef is Bridgett Lewis, and she brings flavors to Seattle. We mean that literally as spices are flown in from her family garden in Jamaica. We often hear people try a dish and say, “I’ve never tasted that flavor combo before”; and they probably haven’t as it’s her unique blend straight from Jamaica.
What are some of your favorite local businesses and why?
We love the businesses in our neighborhood, and we all support one another as a result. We buy flowers weekly from Florentino’s Fine Flowers and we shop at Fury Consignment Shop regularly. We also love Roq la Rue Art Gallery and Canary Salon for the finer things in life and self-care.
Anything else you’d like us to know about you and your business?
Kamp is a place for people who live life without limits. A place where tables are built longer, and arms are open wider. Where good food and drinks are aplenty, and there’s always a spot for one more. Where we celebrate the major and mini leagues in the same day. Because we believe life is a little better when we embrace a little more.