diff --git a/server/server.go b/server/server.go
index a8bf9e095..30a8b12de 100644
--- a/server/server.go
+++ b/server/server.go
@@ -145,6 +145,13 @@ func (m *Command) Start() (err error) {
 	if err != nil {
 		return errors.Wrap(err, "setting up server")
 	}
+	if !m.API.Node().IsCoordinator {
+		// hack to give coordinator a head start
+		// TODO https://github.com/molecula/pilosa/issues/266
+		if len(m.Config.Gossip.Seeds) > 0 {
+			time.Sleep(5 * time.Second)
+		}
+	}
 
 	// SetupNetworking
 	err = m.setupNetworking()