The Watchtower Café and its owners, Mike Tuiasoa and Cori Hoekstra, offer a unique blend of beverages and entertainment options.
Tuiasoa and Hoekstra first opened up shop in October 2015 with the hope that people who love comics, art, coffee, and games would come and hang out. The Watchtower has hosted events ranging from nerdcore to art shows. The café also supports local artists, who can place their art in The Gallery of Rogues, located inside of the shop.
Tuiasoa says the Watchtower tries to “throw out and come up with the most unique, weirdest, original ideas for events” that no one else is doing because that’s their identity. One example of such events is called A Very Deadpool Christmas at Watchtower Café. For the second Christmas in a row, the Watchtower will host a Deadpool Santa who talks, cracks jokes, and takes pictures with kids.
Tuiasoa says the Watchtower Café has also become a great place to meet people, explaining how he has seen “so many friendships start here.” Hoekstra mentions the multiple board games they offer, which allow people to get to know each other in a low-pressure game. A café favorite is Battleship.
To help students, the café offers a 10 percent discount. They also offer a 15 percent discount on every item for SLCC faculty. Additionally, complementary Wi-Fi is provided with a purchase of a drink.
Also located in the café is a study hall with private booths that are equipped with outlets for charging devices. If students need to do some late-night studying, the café is open until midnight.
According to Hoekstra, many student film groups have used the café for film projects because of the ample space offered.
Because the shop sells comic books and manga as well as selling food, the Watchtower has certain requirements for people who would like to work there.
“We have seasonal positions,” says Hoekstra, and they are always accepting resumes.
Tuiasoa and Hoekstra say they have “big ideas” planned for the Watchtower, so keep your eye out for this unique café and comic shop, located right across from South City Campus, at 1588 South State Street.
