Photo by Arlaina Axenroth
In 2020, then-29-year-old Lindzey Schaffer was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer and given six months to live. It pushed her and her sister, former Damsel star Loren Rosko, into action, motivating them to fulfill their dream of creating a clothing line. Five years later, Schaf Apparel’s best-selling shirt boasts Schaffer’s motto: “Keep Fighting.” And fight she has. She undergoes chemotherapy every six weeks while continuing to pursue her goals. That includes opening a coffee shop with her wife, Taylor Schaffer. Now serving inside lesbian bar My Sister’s Room in Midtown (1104 Crescent Avenue), Schaf Shop sells skateboarding equipment, streetwear, and specialty coffee drinks in an inclusive environment.
“I still show up every single day. I want to make it a safe space and for people to keep fighting for their dreams,” Lindzey explains. “A healthy lifestyle is something we strive for. We don’t have any chemicals or dyes in any coffee or syrup and have every milk alternative.”
Taylor, who managed a Starbucks for four years and designed the coffee program at Saltyard, designed the beverage menu. The coffee drinks use beans roasted weekly at Peach Coffee Roasters in Johns Creek. In addition to traditional espresso, drip coffee, and cappuccinos, Schaf Shop serves teas, a hot cocoa flight, and a Red Bull spritzer. Drinks like the Spicy Nini (a hot latte with cocoa, cayenne, cinnamon, and brown sugar) are named after her and Lindzey’s dogs. The ATL, a peach espresso spritzer, is also popular.
Photo by Arlaina Axenroth
Small bites and pastries are for sale, including seven flavors of gluten-free, vegan donuts from Katz bakery. Lindzey’s mom, Cyndi Schaffer, fills the pastry case with a rotating selection of her treats, including fruit tarts. For something with a little more substance, order a waffle, mini pizza, yogurt parfait, smoothie, or charcuterie plate.
Open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. during the week and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekends, Schaf Shop turns over the space in just 20 minutes, converting My Sister’s Room’s massive dance floor into a cozy hangout with booths, high-tops, and a glass skateboard case. Lindzey has been skateboarding since she was 8 years old and hired a team skilled in skateboard customization and assembly to work at the shop. There’s also a rack of clothing, jewelry, and hats that change seasonally. This includes exclusive items from Schaf Apparel and other brands like Thrasher.
Photo by Arlaina Axenroth
Special events and activations encourage camaraderie. Every other Saturday, Schaf Shop hosts a DJ from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. “It attracts a new type of crowd. We want the vibes to be high,” Taylor says.
Every other Tuesday is Game Night, and once a month, a theme night, such as Sabrina Carpenter, features special coffee drinks, cocktails, and more. “People want somewhere to go where they can get dressed up in the theme,” Lindzey says.
March 29 will be BRAT Night featuring Charli XCX music with drinks to match.
Photo by Arlaina Axenroth
