Purrfectly Caffeinated!

“We’re not just a coffee shop,” says Catfight Coffee owner Acey Slade. Along with his lovely wife and fellow owner, Meiling, the coffee creatives pride themselves on high-quality beans in a unique venue.

In 2024, the two opened their feline-themed, alternative-style storefront on the bustling Main Street of Boonton. Why cats? “Cats embody who we are,” says Meiling. “Cats are tenacious, playful, independent, and curious,” she offers with a grin.

It all began in cosmetology school, Aveda Institute in New York, where Acey and Meiling shared their first chat over coffee. Acey, a career musician with a resume including The Misfits, Dope, Murderdolls, and Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, to name a few, and Meiling, a makeup artist, knew they were the perfect blend. As their music and makeup artist careers were put on hold during the COVID-19 pandemic, they pursued selling quality coffee via e-commerce. When travel became possible after the pandemic, their first trip was to coffee farms in Mexico.

Their creative careers intertwine with the coffee business. “I treat each coffee or drink we release like an album or song,” says Acey. “I put equal value and heart into each shot of espresso or bag of coffee as I do with music. I love when I hand off a drink to someone, and they sip, then smile and nod. I just made them feel good with that drink, like when someone is moving to music.”  “We have a commitment to quality, and we want our customers to feel immersed in creativity, giving them a unique experience while they enjoy their coffee, a time to reset,” Meiling says.

Mindful of providing customers with not just caffeine, but also bang for their dollar, Acey says, “I am keenly aware that someone could come to our shop and spend $15.00 easily. For some people, that’s one hour of their 40-hour work week, 1/40th of their pay! I have to make sure it’s worth it because I value that they came to us to spend that hour.”

Setting the Vibe

With the lively decor and punk rock feel, there is no shortage of eye-catching fun at Catfight Coffee. The wall display of funky merch will draw you in, ranging from coffee, pajamas, lunchboxes, mugs, hoodies, hats, and patches. Rather than a table number, a cat tarot card is given to patrons. You can look up at the marquee-style menu and order a Blackheart Activated Charcoal Coconut Latte or Cereal Killer Cold Brew and grab a coveted spot at one of the cozy front window booths, complete with red velvet drapes. The secret bookshelf door to the bathroom may fool you, and once inside, peek through the wall at the tiniest art gallery. Breathe in the scent of coffee from an aroma bubble added to your beverage, a true stand-out experience!

Keep your eyes peeled for fun seasonal menu items, like Meiling’s April Fools’ Day idea, a Ketchup and Mustard Latte with a corn dog! In reality, this was a red velvet cake pop and Ruby Chocolate Latte! Inspired by plays on food from her native Taiwan, Meiling brings extra creativity to Catfight Coffee.

“Watching her navigate this business and how hard she has worked is amazing,” says Acey.

You can also sample the cat-themed coffee shop creations at farmers’ markets and flea markets. The company is introducing a trailer for such events this spring. In addition, Catfight Coffee supports many local charities and businesses through various events they host. The Food Drive for Luna Fair, Blind Date with a Book Night, Ghoul Group, Punk Rock Saves Lives Bone Marrow Registry Drive, and Stitch and Destroy are just a sampling.

Acey still performs as a musician, and Meiling loves to work as a makeup artist when able, but the focus for both is the coffee business. “Catfight is our baby, and it’s in the growing stages,” says Acey.

The couple loves being a part of the Boonton community. “With the events we do, we bring in a lot of out-of-town traffic, people who haven’t heard of Boonton,” says Acey. “Then they walk around and spend money at the other businesses, it’s very rewarding. Between the used bookstore, record store, tattoo shops, alternative clothing and gift stores, restaurants…there are a lot of good coffee shops in town too.”

When the couple is not running their business, they enjoy spending time at home with their three cats, Tura, Vampey, and Frankenstein. They are passionate about supporting other coffee shops and small businesses and traveling to coffee farms. For this dynamic duo, it’s all coffee, all the time!

Visit Catfight Coffee at catfightcoffee.com and follow the links to their social media accounts/online merch shop! Located at 616 Main Street, Boonton. Hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday and Sundays, and 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Meow!

Antonietta Henry is a wife, mother of four and owner of Antonietta Henry Photography in Pompton Plains. She enjoys exploring and learning more about the wonderful people and businesses of Mountain Lakes and Boonton Township!

Photographs by Antonietta Henry