Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Burge
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Thank you for welcoming me back to share more of my story. The journey to The Cafe Meow began in my final year of university when I was searching for a path that truly resonated with me. After exploring my options, I landed on something that felt just right—opening a cat cafe. With no business background, I spent four years working in my trained field while simultaneously building the foundation for The Cafe Meow. In 2018, that dream became a reality with our first location off Hennepin Ave in Minneapolis. Since then, we’ve grown—opening a second location in New Hope in 2022 and relocating our original cafe to Roseville in 2023 after outgrowing our first space. The vision for The Cafe Meow has always been simple: a welcoming space for cat lovers to find community, enjoy a delicious cup of coffee or tea, and relax in the company of feline friends. But what makes us truly special is our mission—every cat at the cafe is adoptable. We provide a safe and comfortable space for rescue cats to showcase their personalities, hoping to create bonds that lead to lifelong homes. Since opening, we’ve helped over 1,400 cats find their families. With our expansion to two larger locations, we can now care for up to 60 cats at a time, deepening our mission and changing more lives, one cat at a time. What started as a small cafe with just 15-20 cats has now become a two-location community dedicated to rescue and connection. But none of this would be possible without the incredible support of our community—those who choose to spend their time here, to adopt here, sip their coffee here, and be part of our mission. You are the heart of The Cafe Meow, and we couldn’t be more purr-oud to continue this journey with you all.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
This journey has been anything but smooth or easy. Opening a unique business is always a challenge, but it wasn’t our uniqueness that made it difficult. The greatest struggle has been the mentality shift in the United States in recent years.
In early 2020, there was a pandemic, that shut us down, reasonably so, this was out of everyones hands. In May George Floyd was murdered nearby by a police office. The riots caused by this tragic event, ended up with us having to board up our location. I stayed over night during curfew at The Cafe Meow with those cats, and even raced them out one night to safety when our building was broken into as looters came into the adjoining business. These riots were happening because of compassion, care, and most importantly rights for all. We saw many people come together during this time to support each other, to support the places they love in the community but we also saw a divide and disrespect being encouraged. The compassion that Minnesotans have always shown one another—the kindness that binds our communities and our mission here—began to feel challenged by a growing message from the highest levels of leadership. A tone of division emerged, suggesting that the way we have thrived through empathy and care was somehow mistaken. Instead of reinforcing our values of understanding and unity, the message encouraged fear over connection, division over togetherness.
We have remained steadfast, continuing to be a place of kindness for all. We stand for respect, equality, and compassion, ensuring that everyone who walks through our doors feels valued. This cafe was born from my love for cats, yes, but also the kindness, care, and generosity I experienced throughout my life from the people of Minnesota. I have always believed that this deep sense of empathy lives within us all—whether it’s extending a helping hand to cats who cannot speak for themselves or embracing the diverse community of people who call Minnesota home.
Standing for all should be a source of strength, yet today, it has made community businesses the target of hate and intimidation. This is the fight we never expected but must face.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
As the founder and creator of The Cafe Meow, my role has evolved over time. I used to be on-site every day, open to close, but now I focus on the bigger picture—handling administration, finances, business growth, marketing, and event planning. This is only possible because of my incredible team of passionate locals who are dedicated to helping cats and creating a warm, welcoming space for our community.
I’m incredibly proud of the 1,400+ adoptions we’ve facilitated since opening. It’s been a truly rewarding experience to help more cats than I ever imagined. Back in the day when I was volunteering at a local shelter, I discovered my passion for giving back to cats, who give so much in return when provided with a caring environment. I’m proud that we continue to help these cats find their forever homes while fostering a welcoming community where cats and people can connect.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
The communities we have become apart of have always been widely welcoming. They are over all amazing and what we like the best about the Twin Cities area. A city is truly defined by its community—the people who come together, support one another, and shape the place they call home. That being said there are some who have not enjoyed our concept, or have spoken up against us. I hope by continuing to be a place of joy, of connections, and standing by that we will keep encouraging the good that everyone has in them.
The shift from a focus on equality for all to the rise of more exclusionary viewpoints is increasingly evident, even on a smaller city level. As these beliefs that divide take root, they threaten to fracture the sense of care and inclusivity that once defined our communities, creating an atmosphere of intolerance that impacts everyone.
Pricing:
- Roseville Cat lounge: $10.50 weekdays $15.75 weekends
- New Hope Cat lounge: $10.50 weekdays $15.00 weekends
- All sales including coffee, drinks, cat time, and merchandise sales help us continue to do what we do for the cats and community.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thecafemeow.com
- Instagram: @thecafemeow AND @thecafemeownh
- Facebook: /thecafemeow AND /thecafemeownh
