Zippy’s Java Lounge will have new home and new name

EVERETT — The funky Everett gathering spot Zippy’s Java Lounge is no more.

The door of the coffee shop at 1804 Hewitt Ave. was shut Monday, the lights were off and Zippy the Dalmatian was curled up mournfully in an armchair inside.

Owner Marilyn Rosenberg said she plans to move her coffee shop and reopen in a few weeks under a new name.

She’ll set up shop in a smaller space on 3231 Broadway.

Business declined during the recession, and she could no longer afford the $2,200-a-month rent.

She returned home from a trip last week and found her lights shut off.

Rosenberg started Zippy’s five years ago. Named after Rosenberg’s friendly dog, it quickly grew into more than just another place to get a latte.

In recent years, it’s served as a salon where people with often progressive ideas gathered to discuss topics as varied as art, global climate change, politics, alternative currencies and raw food.

An entire local movement devoted to sustainable living, called Green Everett, was created at Zippy’s. An open mike night featuring poets and musicians drew creative types. It became a place customers felt comfortable settling down with a green smoothie and a good book.

“To me, it’s all about community,” said Roy Holman, a customer and a member of Green Everett. “Zippy’s was about bringing people together. I’ve approached Marilyn about book signings, peace talks and meditation sessions, and she immediately said ‘yes’ to all.”

Rosenberg has until Thursday to be out of the space on Hewitt Avenue. On Monday, the tables and chairs had been cleared from the space, but piles of books and dishware packed in boxes were scattered about.

“I look at this space and I think about how things really grew into something amazing here,” she said.

Rosenberg already is thinking about her new venture. Just as she learned she couldn’t stay any longer on Hewitt Avenue, she was approached by a couple who are gathering artisans together under one roof at an old building on Broadway they are calling 3231 Creatives.

Rosenberg will pay $800 a month her first year and her shop will be right next door to an art gallery and a man who makes guitars.

“I’m so excited about what I’m moving into, I’m not even mourning what I’m leaving,” she said.

What people are saying

“It is very sad to walk down Hewitt and not be able to walk into Zippy’s. It is more than a coffee shop. It is like a second home. You are always greeted with a smile and if your timing is right a greeting from the ‘boss’ — Zippy. It is a place to meet friends and get involved in your community. With Zippy’s closed there will be little reason to walk down Hewitt. Another empty storefront that holds some great memories. Looking forward to seeing Marilyn and Zippy in their new home and making new memories.”

— customer Debbie Shue on the Inside Everettblog

“I often describe the cafe to people as a living room with a coffee shop inside. It truly has a comfortable, homey atmosphere. It’s the kind of surroundings that chain coffee shops try to re-create with their decor styles.”

— Johannah Larsen, former employee

“Zippy’s is unique as a business with human values.”

— Eric Peterson, member of Green Everett, a grassroots sustainable-living group

“Zippy’s is one of the cornerstones of alternative Everett. Marilyn has been the glue holding so many various interests centered around Zippy’s. It will be a loss to the people and town of Everett if Zippy’s closes.”

— Barbara Simons, customer

“A coffee shop can have good coffee and even its own personality, if it is done right. But Zippy’s always felt to me like family. See, I don’t drink coffee. Only occasionally would I even have one of her green smoothies. But between Marilyn, Zippy and all the free-spirited regulars, as well as the occasionals who stop by to enjoy the truly relaxed and homey atmosphere, it just always felt comfortable. I really hope to see a similar ambiance in the new location.”

— Jackie Minchew, customer

Debra Smith: 425-339-3197, dsmith@heraldnet.com.