Meet Michelle Lang-Raymond & Jay Raymond, the owners of The Scene in South Park in Seattle’s South Park neighborhood.
Everybody is somebody at The Scene, a South Park cafe that opened in 2023. Owners Michelle Lang-Raymond and Jay Raymond started their business in the spot formerly occupied by Resistancia Coffee to create a community space where people can gather, collaborate, and relax over a cup of coffee.
The pair serve espresso and tea beverages alongside croissant breakfast sandwiches, yogurt parfaits, and yummy salads. Be sure to check out their Instagram to see upcoming events like art classes, community panels, and more.
Get to know more about Michelle, Jay, and The Scene 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?
The Scene in South Park serves a community that is nestled in a unique area that serves families, youth, and businesses of Seattle. Located just south of Georgetown across the Duwamish River, and just north of the city of Tukwila. Taking the south park bridge feels like you’re being escorted into a place to escape and enjoy the simpler things… like a good cup of coffee. 🙂
Why is it important to you and your business that people #SpendLikeItMatters?
Small Businesses are launched to answer local needs and hopes. When customers spend like it matters with local businesses, it immediately adds to the local economy and to the morale and connectedness of the neighborhoods. It’s an investment in ourselves that will always have a more excellent value of return!
As a business owner, what’s the strangest or craziest idea you’ve ever tried?
Buying a coffee cafe is pretty high on the list! Prior to that… we launched a live performance theater during a pandemic and in that short time have become a noted establishment in the Seattle Arts & Culture community!
What’s something your customers may not know about you or your business?
The owners of The Scene in South Park are also active community members – one as a public school teacher and the other as a founder of a local community theater!
What are some of your favorite local businesses and why?
Classic Eats in Burien
Communion Restaraunt and Bar
Ms Helen’s Soul Food Bistro
Black Coffee Northwest