As a generation of Capitol Hill’s biggest, most ambitious food and drink projects fades and shutters, many new smaller neighborhood projects are focused on community and space along with the hospitality and flavors.
Calling Open Form a cafe sells the concept short. “A gathering space inspired by the art of Persian hospitality. Persian tea, coffee, and natural wine — by reservation,” the new project is set to debut next week above E Pike
The new cafe, event and work space from first-time venue entrepreneur Tara Almassi joins a tide of new Levantine and Persian influences shaping smaller projects around Capitol Hill including the soon to open Mintish coffee house on Harvard Ave.
A larger Middle Eastern forebearer from another era of Capitol Hill food and drink, meanwhile, will soon be departing this group. CHS reported here on the coming closure of Mamnoon around the corner on Melrose after 13 years of Capitol Hill.
Open Form will be the latest change in the historic in Greenus Building also home to MEET BBQ. The upper level addition is part of an ongoing change in the tenant mix including the departure of 8 Limbs Yoga. Seattle’s location of the Kpop Nara chain has also moved from its previous Hill location to join the building’s mix. Last fall, we reported on the classic Capitol Hill move from E Pine to E Pike.
Another food and drink project for the building, a new bar that was in early planning stages when we reported on it in 2024, never opened.
There will be no such fate for Open Form. The cafe and event space is promising a September 5th debut.
(Image: Open Form)
Almassi has not responded to inquiries from CHS about her project but has posted extensively about her goals on social media for community and gathering.
“It’s inspired by the way I grew up, where the art of hosting was everything. Where people were welcomed with tea, with food, with presence,” Almassi writes. “That spirit, shaped by my Iranian roots, is in every corner of this space. You’ll find Persian tea, coffee, wine, intimate dinners, and experiences designed to slow you down and bring you in.”
Open Form will also debut with a 2025-era business model including an $18 “day pass” that reserves a seat in the cafe and Persian tea service. The venue will also host events and workshops in addition to being available to rent for meetings and gatherings.
Open Form will open soon at 500 E Pike. Learn more at openform.space.
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