Exterior of The Line

Twin Peaks Fan Fest Memories – Mar-T Cafe

After publishing a recent Setting the Stage article about the Double R Diner exteriors, I began thinking about the first time I visited the location. I attended the 1996 Twin Peaks Fan Fest held around the Seattle and Snoqualmie Valley. One of the first stops made was to enjoy a slice of cherry pie and a cup of coffee at this classic Twin Peaks spot – the Mar-T Cafe

TWIN PEAKS FAN FEST MEMORIES – MAR-T CAFE

Mar-T Cafe
Inside of Mar-T Cafe in August 1996

The Mar-T Cafe (now known as as Twede’s Cafe) is located at 137 W North Bend Way in North Bend, Washington. Roy Thompson opened Thompson’s Cafe in  1941. The location was renamed Mar-T Cafe in the 1950s once the business changed hands.

Mar-T Cafe
Inside of Mar-T Cafe in August 1996

The North Bend location was as a set for the Pilot Episode, Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me, and Twin Peaks Season 3 on Showtime.

Mar-T Cafe

My fascination with Twin Peaks was relatively new in August 1996, so you can imagine my excitement visiting this location.

Pies at Mar-T Cafe
Pies at the Mar-T Cafe in August 1996

I was thrilled to see they offered a nice selection of pies. My buddy Joe and I sat at the counter and enjoyed a slice with hot, black coffee.

Steven and Pat Cokewell
Meeting Pat Cokewell at the Mar-T Cafe in August 1996

One of the coolest experiences was meeting Pat Cokewell, master pie baker who operated the Mar-T Cafe for 21 years.

Thanks for your support
“Thanks for your support” Poster
Mural on back of Mar-T Cafe
Mural on the back of the Mar-T Cafe in August 1996

On the back of the Mar-T Cafe there was a mural of the famous “Welcome to Twin Peaks” sign. Sadly, this mural was badly damaged during a fire in the year 2000. A similar mural is found on the building today.

Joe and Steven at Mar-T Cafe
Joe and Steven at the Mar-T Cafe in August 1996

All said, it was a damn fine visit to the Mar-T Cafe. My buddy Joe and I even posed for a photo, complete in our awesome 1990s attire (just look at those sandals!!).

Mar-T Cafe at Night
Mar-T Cafe at Night

Author

  • Steven Miller at Twede's Cafe enjoying cherry pie and coffee

    A "Twin Peaks" fan since October 1993, Steven Miller launched Twin Peaks Blog in February 2018 to document his decades-long fascination with David Lynch and Mark Frost's wonderful and strange show. With his Canon camera in hand, he's visited numerous film locations, attended Twin Peaks events and conducted extensive historical research about this groundbreaking series. Along with fellow Bookhouse Boys, he dreams of creating a complete Twin Peaks Archive of the series and feature film. Steven currently resides in Central Florida.

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