New Biz Oly: Volcano Vapor Cafe

Terry Sparks and Zakk Johnston

Introducing you to new locally-owned businesses…

                  “Vaping” is a verb to describe using an electronic cigarette in a personal vaporizer. The Vapor Cafe is a modernized hookah bar and smoking club in which 29 flavors of smoke-free Vapors containing 0–24 milligram strength nicotine levels can be inhaled singly or shared by friends. Vaporizers’ delivery powers go from mild to strong, beginning with the original “Volcano”, then the “Magma”, the “Inferno” and the strongest, the “Lava Tube”.

                  Zakk Johnston, co-owner of The Volcano with John Connor and Cameron Daniels, explained while using his personal 24-milligram strength “Lava Tube”, a battery-driven cylinder containing a juice-filled atomizer tank and atomizer coil. One exhales not smoke but steam.

“The FDA hasn’t studied Vaporizing but users report dramatic decreases in their smoking habits. Vaping completely ended mine,” says Zakk. “John had the ‘Volcano’. I bought “Inferno”. After exploring effects, we decided we should sell these!” They connected with the Hawaiian-based Volcano Company to set up, and now sell Vaporizers and tasting demonstrations.

“There’s no second-hand smoke,” Zakk says. “Our Vaporizers have only 4 strengths of nicotine, glycerin flavoring and in some cases, artificial flavors. My favorite part of the job is teaching, giving something good to the world. One month in, we have 8 employees and are a hot spot in Olympia. It’s unlike anything I’ve experienced.”

Cameron Daniels, beverage expert, offers 2 simple origin coffees, 1 drip blend and 1 espresso blend roasted by “the Phantom Roaster”, plus 15 tea varieties from Portland’s “Tao of Tea”. Clio McClure, Cameron’s partner, aptly manages the cafe.

Cameron Daniels and Clio McClure

Signs by Tomorrow and Fusion Graphics did signage. Todd Hansen’s counter gleams. The partners did interior wood trims, counters, floors, red walls and black furnishings. “This will be an Artswalk space,” Zakk says, “and we’re looking for artists and musicians to showcase. Olympians are amazing. They never cease to amaze me!”

Hours 6 AM – 2:30 AM Daily, 122 Capitol Way North,

new-biz-oly is written by Holly Graham. To suggest a new locally-owned business to be featured, please email .