How These Two Friends Launched a Pancake Pop-Up in Seattle, WA

Shauna T. and Brittany F. are friends from Seattle, Washington who realized that if they wanted to build a community with neighbors, they would have to do it themselves. So, they launched a regular pancake pop-up to gather with friends, strangers, and others in their community over a small meal.

“We said if we met one new neighbor and had a good time, it would be a success,” Shauna said.

Shauna and Brittany’s story is just one of many Global Community Breakfasts taking place around the world as a way to encourage more people to meet up with others for positive actions. As we at Idealist encourage more individuals to participate in Idealist Days each month, we’re sharing a Q&A with Shauna to inspire you to host your own gathering—with or without pancakes!

What is your background in the social-impact sector (either as a professional, volunteer, or person inspired to do good!)?

Brittany and I both have roots in the nonprofit sector, but I’ve made a full career out of it. For the last 10+ years, my work has focused on meeting communities where they are to advance health equity. That’s meant everything from large-scale campaigns to neighborhood activations that bring people together around something meaningful.

So when Brittany showed up with, “How hard would this be?” about hosting free pancake pop-ups in our front yard, I didn’t hesitate. Community gathering? Removing barriers? Creating connections around food? I’m in.

What inspired you to host your community gathering idea?

Last year, Britt came to me with the idea of creating a free pancake stand in our front yard. My immediate reaction (which I’ve since learned is not everyone’s first reaction) was: YES. Easy. Whimsical. Let’s go.

We just wanted to create a moment people could stumble upon. At our first one, we said if we met one new neighbor and had a good time, it would be a success. We met three. We were over the moon.

By our third pop-up in October, about 20 people stopped by, and we figured that was a perfect way to close the season. But some neighbors joked they’d come even in January. So we leaned in. On January 31st, more than 40 people stopped by.

Delivery drivers paused mid-route for pancakes to go (we love that!). Families from our kids’ school realized we lived blocks apart. We’ve made friends with people who used to have dinner parties in our home with the previous owners. Neighbors brought whistles to hand out. They asked about co-hosting a summer potluck.

It’s been intentional and still completely, unexpectedly magical.

How has this initiative positively impacted your community or yourself?

I think it says a lot that neighbors now look forward to these pop-ups. People ask how they can contribute. They bring toppings. They stay to help clean up. It feels shared.

For me personally, it’s that sense of community care in its simplest form. We’re not hosting a big, complicated event. We’re just making pancakes in the front yard. But we’re also creating space to connect beyond a passing wave.

There’s something powerful about sharing a meal. It slows people down. It invites conversation. It turns “the house next door” into actual neighbors. In a world that can feel isolating and transactional, this feels like a small, joyful rebellion.

What are your future plans?

We want to keep it simple and seasonal. And most importantly, keep saying yes when the neighborhood leans in. I don’t think this needs to turn into something bigger or branded. The magic is in its accessibility and spontaneity.

We’re exploring ways to lean into the momentum by highlighting local causes and asking “how can we help people connect,” but I’m not entirely sure what that will look like. Mostly, we just want to keep the pancakes hot and the front yard open. If people keep showing up, we will too. Our next pop-up is 4/4 — and we can’t wait!

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If you’re wondering how to launch an Idealist Days group in your local community, here are a few steps to get started:

• Sign up to get involved in Idealist Days, and stay in touch by registering for the free Idealists in Action newsletter, sent monthly.
• Start small by gathering friends, co-workers, or family members to talk about how you can make a positive impact in your local community once a month on Idealist Days.
• As you grow, post your event on Idealist’s Global Calendar via Luma to invite others in your area to join you for projects.