Winnipeg’s first thrift store-cat cafe opening soon

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This article was published 08/01/2021 (1710 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Winnipeggers will soon be able to shop for second-hand goods, grab a coffee, and adopt a feline friend all in the same place, at Annie’s Attic Thrift Shop and Cat Café.

Located at 1560 Main St., Annie’s Attic is a branch of D’Arcy’s Animal Rescue Centre, a St. James-based registered charity animal shelter. Owner D’Arcy Johnston also operates D’Arcy’s ARC Thrift Store at 1076 Main St.

Revenue from the thrift stores fund the work of the rescue centre, which provides care to dogs and cats who have experienced abandonment, homelessness, neglect and abuse.

“We rescue homeless animals from the streets of Winnipeg, the province of Manitoba. We house them, we provide all their medical treatments, and we get them all spayed or neutered, and we put them up for adoption,” Johnston told The Times, adding that the shelter averages around 800 adoptions per year.

Johnston opened D’Arcy’s ARC in 2000 after years of working as a technician at animal clinics.

“I’ve grown up with animals my whole life … since I was born, growing up on the farm, and then my adult life and my married life with my family,” he said. “I decided that I didn’t like what I was seeing with homeless animals and it was time to make some changes.”

Annie’s Attic, named after Johnston’s youngest daughter, is believed to be the second cat cafe in Winnipeg. Knowing he wanted to open another second-hand shop, Johnston said his goal was to put a spin on the idea.

“I wanted to be able to offer to this neighbourhood something different. And that’s what we’re doing here,” he said. “I’ve been living here for 25 years now in this neighbourhood, so I know what the neighbourhood’s like.”

Annie’s Attic features drinks and treats from Nachelle’s Cakes, a Transcona-based bakery run by Leslie St. Amant and her husband.

“Everything will be baked in our bakery in Transcona and be brought in fresh daily here,” St. Amant said.

“I think our role and the goals are the same as D’Arcy’s — it’s to help the homeless animals and to be part of what he’s doing. And that was what attracted us to come and join his team.”

At press time, the business had been awaiting the approval of its final permits and had not set an opening date, but Johnston anticipated it will be in January. Under code red restrictions, customers will not be allowed to sit in the cafe area, although they are permitted to shop in the thrift section and mingle with the cats.

For more information, visit anniesattic.ca