What is a cooperative?

The official definition as written by the International Cooperative Alliance is an autonomous association of persons united voluntarily to meet their common economic, social and cultural needs and aspirations through a jointly-owned and democratically-controlled enterprise. This means we all agreed to equally share responsibility and ownership of our business. All decisions about the business are made through a democratic process, from front of house to back of house, from our financials to our personnel policies. We encourage you to read more about cooperatives on the ICA’s website or come into Circus to chat.

Why are you a cooperative?

All of us have our own unique reasons why we wanted to form or join a cooperative, so here’s a few:

Worker-Owner May: I believe that everybody deserves to have democratic control over their work, their school, their homes, and their communities. Why does our agency stop when we work? I am a proud unionist and cooperativist, and I think workers, among other stakeholders in the community, should run things.

Worker-Owner Candidate Myles: Cooperatives have a ton of perks, but here are the biggest draws for me. 1. Payment equity is a big one — all of us make the same amount of money for work that is distributed as equitably as possible. 2. I take a lot of pride in the quality of my products as a service worker, and I love having creative control over the menu. I feel like my opinions are taken seriously, I get to pitch fun drink ideas, and I never have to serve a product I don’t believe in. And 3. I have the ability to advocate for my needs and my beliefs without fear of retaliation.

Is a cooperative like a union?

Not exactly. Workers in unionized workplaces have representatives that help them negotiate and uphold a contract for equitable working conditions. A cooperative has no upper management to negotiate with — we make the rules. However, we love our unionized cafe siblings! Unions and cooperatives have the same goal: building worker power!

Is this place new?!

Yes, we’re pretty new! We opened in September 2023. We would love it if you gave us a review on Yelp or another preferred rating platform to help establish our presence in the neighborhood.

I think I read about you guys somewhere.

That’s right! We’ve had press coverage from the Crimson and from our friend Dana at the Globe.

So … you’re not Darwin’s?

Nope! We were founded by a group of former Darwin’s workers who were part of the unionization effort. This is why you might see some familiar Darwin’s items on the menu.

But you’re not a real circus, either?

No we are not! Big respect for circus performers, though!

Okay, I want in! Are you hiring?

At the time you’re reading this: yes! If you’d like to find out more and apply, click here !