Almost a year ago, an opportunity knocked for Café Nordo to open our own theater in the heart of old Seattle. We transformed our board of directors, started a capital campaign, and began raising money, all to bring about Nordo’s Culinarium.

Our Kickstarter to raise $35,000 to build our new kitchen has just concluded. We hit $39,000, which is fantastic. Added to our overall campaign, we’ve raised more than $200,000.

The work to build out our new theater and kitchen in part of the old Elliot Bay Bookstore in Pioneer Square is well underway. Contractors are building new bathrooms, redoing the plumbing and electricity, putting in new kitchen tile, and much more. It’s a big project.

Thanks to Kickstarter and to my many friends, family, and colleagues who contributed and spread the word. This is a major milestone in our quest and I’m thrilled by the journey.