When beloved San Francisco community hub The Center shuttered its doors this summer, it looked like another epic tale of Bay Area cultural loss. But hold onto your kombucha, because a passionate group of volunteers isn’t letting this bohemian sanctuary fade into obscurity.

A collective of former staff and devoted community members have birthed Gather Collective, a nonprofit mission to resurrect the magic of The Center. Think of it as a phoenix rising from the ashes of bureaucratic red tape and permit nightmares.

A Space Beyond Just Tea

This isn’t just another teahouse. Gather aims to create a radical third space where techies, artists, body workers, and spiritual seekers can converge. We’re talking yoga, ecstatic dance, workshops on tantra and authentic relating - basically everything your corporate job desperately wants to suppress.

Building Community, Doing It Right

Learning from The Center’s previous permitting challenges, Gather is meticulously planning its comeback. They’re committed to obtaining proper city permissions, serving tea legally, and creating a sustainable community infrastructure. No more flying under the regulatory radar!

The Dream Lives On

Founder Derek Pankaew believes San Franciscans are starving for genuine connections and sober gathering spaces. “We want to create this feeling of ‘Oh, this is our home,’” he explains. And honestly? In a city where community feels increasingly transactional, we’re here for this revolutionary approach.

Stay tuned, Bay Area - Gather is about to redefine what community looks like, one ethically sourced tea leaf at a time.