CORINA LUCKENBACH AND HEIDI HERR
Co-owners, The Admiral Bird
Seattle, WA
“There’s nothing better than coffee, waffles, flowers and beer!”
Corina Luckenbach (right) and Heidi Herr’s Seattle-based The Admiral Bird shares its space with a florist (Floral Lab), making it a must-stop destination for locals and tourists alike. The co-owners met while serving at the same restaurant before deciding to open up their own spot in West Seattle.
“I’ve worked in foodservice my entire life and in every capacity,” Luckenbach said, noting she began a love affair with coffee after learning to use an espresso machine in 1985. “I love making something delicious and beautiful as a way of loving my community.”
The Admiral Bird has a menu of select Belgian waffles and waffle sandwiches, but they’re anything but simple.
“I love having a few goofy items on the menu like Coco Pebbles in our chocolate waffle,” Herr said. “We also feature a quote from Amy Poehler’s character, Leslie Knope, on our menu: ‘Waffles, friends, work or friends, waffles work—it doesn’t matter as long as work is third.’”
Luckenbach and Herr both have strong ties to their local LGBTQ community, and are proud to serve them.
“We want the Bird to be a respectful and safe to all people, beliefs and an unpretentious place for every person: young, old, queer, trans, people of color and all political leanings,” Luckenbach said. “This community with their love, generosity and feedback has been vital to our success.”
Luckenbach already has plans for her next business: a sports bar dedicated to women athletes and fans.
“I was inspired by the Olympics and what women are doing, and really want a place to go that has women’s sports at its core,” she said. “It will be a sports bar, but open to minors so women of all ages can come and cheer on their favorite: [WNBA Seattle Storm star] Sue Bird.”
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