The Gander Café just opened in Bayview, next to the Goose Grocer, and Rachel Schuller, the Bakery Manager, feels the café is perfect for the community and for her.
Rachel’s grandparents had a house on Whidbey, and she came for visits to the island most of her life. She lived in the Puget Sound Area but says, “I needed to slow my life down.”
Six years ago, she came to the Goose Grocer and submitted a work application. Her interview impressed the people at Goose Grocer, and she was hired a day later. She moved to a home on Whidbey in June 2020.
Rachel had worked in the warehouse for Amazon and had jobs at Subway and other large retailers. She started at The Goose as a cashier, and was able to move into a management position that opened up in July 2021. She then went on furthering her career as Dairy/Frozen Manager and then found herself as the new Bakery Manager in 2024.
Brought to life through the vision of Goosefoot, with the help and collaboration of the Myers Group, The Gander is an extension of the Goose Community Grocer. The Gander Café is more than just a place to grab a cup of coffee or a bite to eat. It was created with a bigger purpose in mind: to provide a welcoming community space where people can gather, connect, catch up with friends, meet new people and enjoy a little of the community life. As a community owned nonprofit organization, Goosefoot is committed to creating spaces and opportunities that give back to the community. The Gander carries that same mission and has quickly become a recognized member of the community. Rachel comments: “Being able to work for the Myers Group and Goosefoot makes me feel good because it is giving back to the community.
The idea for the Gander grew from the continued success of the Goose. The Goose Grocer was outgrowing its space, and rather than simply expanding, the opportunity arose to create something more meaningful: a café that could serve the needs of the community while providing a dedicated home for expanded food production.
The Gander Café has quickly become a gathering place for locals and visitors alike. There are currently many regulars who visit the Gander for a drink, a treat or a meal. Whether stopping in for an early morning coffee, picking up a fresh pastry, enjoying breakfast or lunch, settling in for a conversation with a friend, the café offers something that goes beyond its menu. It offers a place to belong.
Besides being a community space, the Café created more employment opportunities in the community and is now home to several employees, each contributing to the daily operations and welcoming atmosphere that makes the café special.
The Gander Café, next to the Goose Grocer in Bayview is open Monday through Saturday, 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Sunday 7:00 – 6:00 p.m.
