A man and woman standing in front of a coffee machine.

Our mission goes beyond coffee

Coffee TAB is a nonprofit coffee shop and workforce development program based in downtown Seattle. We exist to encourage others to live a higher quality life through a higher quality cup of coffee. What makes us unique is that every cup we serve helps create opportunities for underserved young people through our hands-on barista apprenticeship and mentorship program. Our mission goes beyond coffee. We provide practical job training, professional development, and supportive mentorship to young adults facing barriers to employment, including those experiencing housing instability, involvement in the foster care system, or other challenging life circumstances. Through an 8–12 week apprenticeship program, participants gain real-world experience in customer service, coffee preparation, workplace communication, and professional responsibility.

One Cup. One Connection. Lasting Impact.

At our core, we believe coffee can be a catalyst for community and transformation. We source and serve high-quality specialty coffee while creating a welcoming space where people from all backgrounds can connect. As a faith-inspired organization, we are motivated by a commitment to serve others with dignity, compassion, and excellence, though our programs and café are open to everyone. When customers choose Coffee TAB, they are doing more than buying coffee—they are investing in the future of a young person and helping build a stronger, more connected community. Our goal is to create lasting impact, one relationship and one cup of coffee at a time.

A cup of coffee with a heart shaped foam on top.

Coffee TAB: where a coffee shop becomes a tabernacle.

Coffee TAB exists to encourage others to live a higher quality life through a higher quality cup of coffee.

Coffee TAB is a space where you can get a quality specialty coffee while helping underserved youth achieve a higher quality of life.

What We Do

A man wearing a black hat and a black shirt is working on a coffee machine.

How

As a fully-operating coffee shop, we employ eligible students through our mentorship program.Our students are more than just a statistic: Underserved youth often face the struggles of starvation or homelessness.Coffee Tab wants to do its part to reduce the cycles of poverty and marginalization by training students with employable skills, access to community, and a safe space to spend their time.

Two men standing behind a coffee shop counter.

Who

Coffee TAB trains students who are referred to us by school counselors, social workers, or parole officers, and affiliate non-profit organizations.

A man and woman are making coffee together.

Method

Students enrolled in our mentorship program will receive on-site barista and business management training, career support, and resume and interview preparation.

Why

From our founder, Johnathan Tran:

Starting a non-profit has always been a goal of mine. It is now becoming a reality thanks to one of my former professors, Cheryl Crawford at Azusa Pacific University.

Cheryl was one of my undergraduate professors who challenged, pushed, and encouraged me to think critically, pursue ministry, and live the best life possible. She was an example of a mentor who impacted her students’ lives in such a positive way. Unfortunately, Cheryl passed away in 2019 and had once pursued starting a coffee shop herself. I think she would be very excited to know that I am creating a mentorship program that utilizes specialty coffee to encourage life change.

In her will, Cheryl left some money to different people and charities. One of her friends was compelled to invest in Cheryl’s former students and other causes dear to Cheryl’s heart. This includes the beginnings of Coffee Tab.

Coffee TAB exists to encourage others to live a higher quality of life through a higher quality cup of coffee: The way Cheryl encouraged others and the way she enjoyed a cup of coffee.

Our Team

Johnathan Tran

My name is Johnathan Tran, and I’m the founder of Coffee TAB. I moved to Seattle three years ago with a dream—and a deep conviction—that underserved young people deserved a safe space to grow, be mentored, and learn life-changing skills. What started as a vision rooted in my own story has now become a living, breathing community of transformation.

As an Asian American who grew up in a low-income home with little parental involvement, I experienced firsthand the uncertainty and isolation that many young people still face today. Coffee shops were my refuge—quiet spaces where I studied, met with mentors, and began to imagine a better future. They gave me what I didn’t always have at home: consistency, warmth, and community.

Over the years, I went from being a regular customer to becoming a barista. I worked at corporate chains, family-run cafés, and specialty coffee shops—learning the craft, yes, but more importantly, witnessing the power of human connection over a shared cup of coffee. I eventually earned a degree in Theology from Azusa Pacific University, interned with a church that launched a nonprofit coffee shop, and worked in ministry roles focused on mentorship and discipleship. But something kept pulling me back to coffee—not just the drink, but the space it creates.

In 2022, I founded Coffee TAB in Seattle. We started small—with pop-ups, a tiny cafe space, and a big mission: to mentor and train underserved young people who are statistically less likely to transition successfully into adulthood. We knew "success" would look different for everyone—whether that’s landing a job, becoming financially independent, or simply building the confidence to take the next step.

Three years in, Coffee TAB has grown into something I could only dream of when I first arrived. We’ve opened our own café, launched a barista apprenticeship program, and created a space where young people are supported not just professionally but personally. We’ve seen students go on to secure jobs, gain life skills, and begin to believe in themselves. And it all starts with a cup of coffee—and someone willing to listen.

My heart still beats for discipleship and community development. Coffee TAB is not just a coffee shop; it’s a lifeline, a launching pad, and a second chance. We exist to be what coffee shops were for me: a safe, productive, and inspiring place for the next generation to rise.

A man wearing a hat and a tattoo is holding a cup.

Priscilla

Downtown Manager

Priscilla's journey with Coffee TAB began nearly two years ago as an apprentice. Since then, she has grown through multiple leadership roles—including Barista, Shift Lead, and Assistant Manager—before stepping into her current position as General Manager.
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After attending Washington State University, Priscilla initially joined Coffee TAB to gain experience in coffee and hospitality. What she found was much more than a job. She discovered a workplace whose values, mission, and commitment to community aligned deeply with her own.

As someone who grew up in the foster care system, Priscilla is especially passionate about Coffee TAB's mission of creating meaningful job opportunities for underserved youth. Having experienced firsthand the challenges many young people face, she is committed to helping others build confidence, develop skills, and create pathways toward a stable future.

As General Manager, Priscilla oversees daily operations, inventory management, waste analysis, sales performance, and team development while ensuring Coffee TAB's high standards are upheld. She leads by example and is dedicated to creating an exceptional experience for both customers and staff. Among her proudest accomplishments are her growth as a coffee professional, particularly in latte art, and the leadership and operational skills she has developed throughout her time at Coffee TAB. She is excited to continue serving the community and advancing Coffee TAB's mission for years to come.

Annesley P

My name is Annesley, I am a Grant Writer for Coffee TAB and will soon be working with our apprentices as a Case Manager! I've been working with nonprofits since 2018 and have experience both as a case manager and with grant writing. I care about those in our community who don't have what they need and are struggling to provide for themselves. I believe everyone should have the means to support themselves.

When I reconnected with Johnathan after college and heard about his vision for Coffee TAB, I knew I wanted to be a part of it. Having a barista apprenticeship program for underserved youth not only increases employment opportunities but provides a way for youth and young adults to support themselves. I am grateful to be part of Coffee TAB's mission and look forward to its continued growth and positive impact on our community.

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