Forza Coffee to Open New Store by the University Village

With 20 locations across Western Washington, Forza Coffee was still relatively unknown to many people; that is until four Lakewood police officers were shot in one of their cafes last November.  It turned Forza into a household name as residents across the state discussed and mourned the horrible tragedy.

Being forever linked to such a horrendous event could be considered a tremendous black mark on a business.  However, as a sign of great honor and respect, Forza Coffee has now pledged to make the entire chain a memorial to these heroic officers. Current and future cafes will all have plaques commemorating the officers.  Another tribute will be opening each future store on the first day at 8:14am - the exact time the shooting took place.

Forza started this new memorial tradition when it opened it's first Seattle store in Belltown last month and will continue when they open a cafe in the Merrill Gardens complex adjacent to the University Village next week.

For those interested in attending the ceremonial opening, watch Forza's Facebook page for more details.  At the time of posting this, the event is tentatively scheduled for next Saturday, March 20th.