Circus Cooperative Cafe Opens in Cambridge

News Summary

Circus Cooperative Cafe has opened at 31 Putnam Ave, offering a unique worker-owned model that prioritizes democratic decision-making and profit sharing. Founded by former employees of Darwin’s coffee chain, the cafe serves breakfast and lunch, focusing on community support and sustainability. It aims to inspire future employee-owned businesses amid rising legislative support for employee ownership in Massachusetts.

Cambridge – Circus Cooperative Cafe has officially opened its doors at 31 Putnam Ave. in the Riverside neighborhood, marking a significant development in the landscape of employee ownership in Massachusetts. Founded by four former employees of the now-closed Darwin’s coffee chain, the cafe began operations in September 2023, bringing with it a fresh vision for its workforce and customers alike.

Circus Cooperative Cafe is a worker-owned establishment that promotes democratic decision-making and profit sharing among its employees. This innovative model allows worker-owners to collaborate on key decisions regarding the cafe, including menu selections and the allocation of profits. All workers at Circus must complete a minimum of six months of employment before they can vote to become owners. In a departure from some traditional cooperatives, every worker and worker-owner receives the same wage, fostering a sense of equality among the team.

The cafe operates under a unique profit-sharing model known as patronage. This means that individual profits are distributed based on the number of hours each employee has worked, while any retained profits are reinvested back into the business. This structure aims not only to benefit the workers but also to ensure the cafe’s sustainability and growth.

Staffing at Circus has increased since the cafe’s opening, motivating efforts towards greater transparency in decision-making processes. This is particularly important for bridging knowledge gaps between newer employees and those who were part of the original founding team. The vibrant decor of the cafe reflects its cooperative values, creating a welcoming atmosphere that has resonated well with customers.

Circus Cafe serves a variety of popular items from its predecessor, Darwin’s, including breakfast and lunch sandwiches. The establishment has quickly garnered a reputation for its positive service and community-centric ethos, illustrating the potential of a worker cooperative to thrive amid changing market conditions.

The recent establishment of Circus Cooperative Cafe comes at a time when legislative support for employee ownership is on the rise in Massachusetts. Proposed bills aim to facilitate smoother transitions for small businesses wishing to adopt a worker ownership model. Among the resources available is a dedicated center for employee ownership that provides vital assistance, including grants and expert advice for business owners interested in the cooperative structure.

The trend towards employee-owned businesses is expected to grow, particularly as many baby boomer entrepreneurs approach retirement age. This demographic shift poses a risk of business closures, yet it also creates opportunities for new cooperative ventures to fill the gaps left in the market. Circus Cooperative Cafe aims to serve as a model for future employee-owned businesses, showcasing the viability of such a model to other cooperatives seeking to replicate its success.

In addition to focusing on its business operations, Circus Cooperative Cafe is committed to fostering a supportive environment for others interested in pursuing employee ownership. The establishment offers community resources and guidance, aiming to inspire more businesses to adopt the cooperative model and ensure a sustainable future for workers and their communities.

The establishment of Circus Cooperative Cafe illustrates a growing movement toward democratic workplaces, where employees not only contribute to the success of the business but also share in its rewards. As support for cooperative business models continues to expand, the cafe stands as a testament to what can be achieved when workers take ownership of their labor.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• The Boston Globe: Circus Cooperative Cafe Opens
• Cambridge Day: Circus Cafe and Worker Ownership
• The Crimson: Opening of Circus Cooperative Cafe
• Boston.com: Closing of REI in Cambridge
• The Somerville Times: Employee Owned Cafe Developments
• Wikipedia: Worker Cooperative
• Google Search: Worker Owned Businesses
• Google Scholar: Employee Ownership Models
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Cooperatives
• Google News: Employee Ownership Trends