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, North Bend and Snoqualmie areas. 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 (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.
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.
My fascination with Twin Peaks was relatively new in August 1996, so you can imagine my excitement visiting this location.
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.
One of the coolest experiences was meeting Pat Cokewell, master pie baker who operated the Mar-T Cafe for 21 years.
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.
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!!).
