Meet the Owner: Lynn McKee of Steeplechase Coffee

Steeplechase Coffee, located at 3013 Fort Hamilton Pkwy., isn't just a coffee shop—it's a haven for artists, writers and other work-from-home types in need of an improvised office. Weekday afternoons find the place comfortably full, with outlets aplenty and MacBook's glowing from every table. Need a break? Fancy donuts from Fort Greene purveyor  are available so sate your sweet tooth, along with assorted bagels and pastries. 

We caught up with owner Lynn McKee and asked a few questions about the cafe's history. 

Patch: How did Steeplechase come to be? Did you have a background in the coffee business? What's your story?

McKee: We moved to the neighborhood when we found out we were having twins. We needed more room than we could get in South Slope. When the babies were born I would take them on long walks and one day I saw that this spot was for rent. We had always said we wished there was a coffee shop in the neighborhood. It was fate! We had no experience in the coffee business and I wouldn't have wanted it any other way. We have learned everything along the way and the experience has been one of the best in our lives. It really developed quickly, one day it was an idea, the next day we were signing a lease and then building the shop.

Patch: I'm sure the neighborhood has changed a lot since you first opened. What was it like then, versus now?

McKee: I don't think the neighborhood needs to change. I loved the neighborhood from the moment we moved here. And I love having a local business here and if our business has done something positive for our neighbors that's all we can ask for. But that's really a question for my husband! He grew up in Windsor Terrace. 

Patch: Steeplechase has some great  art on the walls. Where do you find the artists you show, and how often does it change?

McKee: We are approached by artists in most cases. We try to show a variety of different mediums and styles and change it up once a month, on the last Friday of the month. 

Patch: How's business, in general?

McKee: Business is great. It is so much more rewarding than we had imagined and honestly, a lot more work than we had imagined but we love every minute of it. I love going to work everyday and seeing our neighbors enjoying the shop.

Patch: What are your plans for the future? Any thoughts on expanding or opening another location? 

McKee: We are always thinking about opening another location, but where? That's the question. I guess we were bit by the business bug. I know there is another Steeplechase in our future. 

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