Cafe Racer reopened this weekend, seven weeks after Ian Stawicki opened fire in the University District hangout, killing four people. On Friday, just a day after another man opened fire in an Aurora, Colo., movie theater, crowds in Seattle turned out to the cafe to show their support.Published on July 22, 2012
Shooting survivor and cafe chef Leonard Meuse (left) talks with Jim, a Cafe Racer regular.
Sabine Meuse, Leonard Meuse’s sister-in-law, dropped in with her children.
A garden has been created in front of the restaurant in memory of Drew Kenakedes, Joe Albanese, Kimberly Layfield and Don Largen, who died from gunshots at the cafe in May.
A garden has been created in front of the restaurant in memory of Drew Kenakedes, Joe Albanese, Kimberly Layfield and Don Largen, who died from gunshots at the cafe in May.
Seattle Police Department Officer John Hayes Jr. (right) and detective James Manning (left) meet with Pastor Greg Bell from the organization Standing in the Gap. Standing in the Gap held a prayer vigil at the cafe after the shootings.
Dana Rebik and Erika Wutherich from Channel 13 interview Hayes, Manning and Bell.
Regulars gather at the counter.
Fundraising for the victims’ families included this June 27 benefit at the Comet Tavern.
At night, the cafe filled with music, friends, and maybe a little dancing.
At night, the cafe filled with music, friends, and maybe a little dancing.
At night, the cafe filled with music, friends, and maybe a little dancing.
The walls are decorated with kitschy art.
Upstairs, Joseph Williams strums guitar, while Anton Sobolik sings along, with Michelle Genova and Zach Johnson.
The trunk in the center of the room is filled with memorabilia, notes and cards.
The trunk in the center of the room is filled with memorabilia, notes and cards.
The trunk in the center of the room is filled with memorabilia, notes and cards.
This upstairs room also features a wall honoring those who lost their lives here.
This upstairs room also features a wall honoring those who lost their lives here.
RIP – Drew & Joe
Cafe owner Kurt Geissel put in a very long day Friday, arriving early in the morning and staying until well after midnight. Someone gave him the pin over the course of the day.
Onstage, Ben Clark, a bandmate of Drew Kenakedes and Joe Albanese, plays accordion.
Violinist Annie Ford embraces trombonist Tom Yoder. They both played music with Drew and Joe.
Gus and Annie onstage, accompanied by a photo of Drew and Joe.
For more information about funds and benefits for the families, see www.CafeRacerLove.org
