Our Story
Building community — one cup, one book, one note at a time –
this has been our mission since 1988, when Couth Buzzard Books originally opened. Over the past 35 years, it has grown to become the beating heart of the Greenwood neighborhood's literary and musical scenes.
Founders Gerry Lovchik and Marilyn Stauter wanted a name reminiscent of a British tavern. They united the concept of the buzzard — nature’s great recycler, a nod to the used book trade — with an old word meaning “well-mannered” to indicate that this bird would be a polite plunderer. The store’s logo was designed in Gerry’s image, with his characteristic spectacles and paunch, in a cartoonish style that reflected the warmth and humor of the original founder.
Theo Dzielak took over for Gerry in 2008, having initially served as store manager. He reopened it in its current location on Greenwood Ave, teaming up with Penny Wright to create the cafe. Together, they created a gathering place for a community of quirky, creative, and loyal customers, who supported each other through both celebration and tragedy. Even as the COVID-19 pandemic threatened to clip the store's wings, the community rallied together and ensured that the Couth Buzzard would stay open for many years to come.
Having steered the store through the storm that had sunk so many small businesses, Theo decided in 2023 to pass the Couth to new hands. After a long search, he entrusted the store to Tallis and Hilary Moore, two lifelong Seattlites with a passion for building community.