Aster Coffee Lounge (5615 24th Ave NW) is being turned into Toast Ballard. The owners, Frank Trevino and Ashley Bucenec, bought Aster in April and say it was time for a change. They say they’re excited to open the new place that will have more (and fancier) food options, and eventually boast a cocktail menu (once their liquor license goes through).
The owners say they’ll also start serving Slate Coffee, and will change up the decor a bit. Aster Coffee opened up in 2008, and was originally owned by Beth Scribner. Little has changed at the cafe over the past 5 years, and Bucenec says it was in dire need of a face-lift. “More modern, less lounge-y,” Trevino says. They plan to be open by Friday, just in time for their weekly Friday night music set; this week Drew Piston will take the stage.
