Three West Seattle food/drink notes, from Alki to The Junction

(UPDATED TUESDAY with Starbucks reply on what’ll change at the Alki store)

3 food/drink notes:

TEMPORARY CLOSURE FOR ALKI STARBUCKS: Jackie tipped us that a remodeling closure was ahead for the Alki Beach Starbucks. We tried to find out more from Starbucks corporate, which didn’t respond to our inquiry. But a WSB Forums post pointed out Sunday that the closure has begun, and we verified that by checking the sign on its door. It says “see you in March.” No online hints at whether the remodel will include anything dramatic, but looks like furniture replacement is included – a city-required form related to recycling/reuse says Starbucks will send interior furniture from this store to “other stores in need.” **TUESDAY UPDATE** Finally heard back – a company spokesperson replies:

We can confirm that the Starbucks on Alki Ave is currently closed for renovation, and will reopen in March. The renovations will focus on updates to the interior furnishings and an updated bathroom and also will include a Clover Brewing System. In addition to our core coffees, this store will offer Starbucks Reserve(r), a special collection of rare, exquisite coffees which are selected from small farms all over the world by our experienced coffee team. It is delivered each week from the Starbucks Reserve Roastery and Tasting Room to ensure maximum freshness and flavor, available for limited times at select stores. We are excited to share that customers at this store will be able to order these Starbucks Reserve(r) coffees brewed on The Clover(r) Brewing System, which lets customers discover new layers and dimensions within a coffee’s familiar aroma, flavor, body and acidity, brewed fresh by the cup.

Additionally, store partners (employees) will be handing out free coffee outside of the store on Friday mornings during the renovation. We’re proud to be a part of the Alki neighborhood and we will continue to serve the community in this way during the store’s closure.

RED STAR PIZZA GONE FOR GOOD: After months of irregular hours and then a declaration of semi-new ownership, Red Star Pizza (7514 35th SW) is now apparently permanently closed, several readers have pointed out, with evidence including equipment being moved out, a sign saying in part “Thank you, W. Sea,” and the disappearance of its website and Twitter accounts. The site has been slated since last year to be demolished when the new Clearview Eye Clinic is built, but the owners had been saying they’d find a new location.

TAKE OUT WITHOUT THROWING OUT: Yes, many restaurants offer takeout food in compostable containers. But Elliott Bay Brewing in The Junction (4720 California SW) has gone one step beyond. You can pay a one-time $5 charge to get into its reusable takeout container program – then every time you pick up an order, bring it back, clean or not.

15 Replies to "Three West Seattle food/drink notes, from Alki to The Junction"

  • Mike Barbre February 16, 2015 (9:50 am)

    What a major bummer about Red Star. Loved their pizza. We can only hope the “new owners” live up to their re-opening somewhere else.

  • Colby February 16, 2015 (10:43 am)

    Looks like Starbucks is stepping up it’s game with Top Pot going in next door and Ampersand offering beer with coffee. I hope it’s just an interior re-model as the sliding doors are great in the warm weather.

  • Brizone February 16, 2015 (11:39 am)

    Red Star owners Mike & Shannon split up last April, and the irregular hours began thereafter. Mike’s was no longer an owner as of mid-May last year.

    It’s a bummer, I went in the first week they were open and tried to help them with some network problems they were having. I liked their pizza, I wish we had another place up on top of the hill nearby. Nothing else is in easy walking distance. :(

  • LyndaB February 16, 2015 (12:06 pm)

    I like the reusable container idea! I haven’t gotten take out there before but is nice to know is available.

  • KM February 16, 2015 (1:30 pm)

    Loving the reusable container idea too! Such a step up from compostables. I hope to see many many more restaurants jump on board.

  • shannon cross February 16, 2015 (3:22 pm)

    Let me clarify a few things.. Mike wasn’t bought out until 12/2014 where my uncle and I intended on moving it. We had some issues that popped up during the sale to my uncle that fell through. We did not have nobody network for us back in May, and not sure where they got the information regarding mike and I relationship in which is incorrect. Mike, I and my uncle felt it was better to put Red Stars future on hold until further notice and land the right location. We had an outstanding run here in West Seattle and we Thank everyone who came to see us during 2009 thru 2014
    Thank you West Seattle
    -Red Star Family

  • Jay Koster February 16, 2015 (3:26 pm)

    Having talked with Shannon, it appears that Red Star is not going to be reopening, which is a pity. There is a chance she may be helping with another pizzeria, but that is yet undecided.

  • Joan February 16, 2015 (3:27 pm)

    Very bummed about Red Star. :o( I had hoped they could work out their problems and find a new location, as they had the best pizza (to my taste) by far.

  • shannon cross February 16, 2015 (3:32 pm)

    Hi allow me to clarify red star pizza.
    Mike and Shannon split dec 2013, we continued running red star until Dec 2014 where mike was bought out. The buy out didn’t go well, my uncle backed out and mike and I decided to close up shop and maybe one of us to reopen Red Star somewhere else. The lease was ending and with our prices it was impossible for us to find a location with affordable rent. We had an outstanding run here in West Seattle. We thank you.

  • Born on Alki 59 February 16, 2015 (4:28 pm)

    Oh man I’m gonna miss that Supernova pizza. Best of luck relocating Red Star, although I doubt you will find affordable rent anywhere in WS anymore.

  • Jason February 16, 2015 (5:36 pm)

    The Supernova was aces, hope to enjoy it again one day.

  • coffee February 16, 2015 (6:51 pm)

    Mike/shannon, wish you the best in your personal lives. I do hope you can recreate Red Star, its truely my favorite pizza ever! This goes to show how the small owner cannot afford rent in the new buildings, story above. Would love to see you in white center……

  • Aaron February 18, 2015 (11:30 am)

    I don’t recall what it was called, but Red Star’s super-Hawaiian was one of the best pizzas I’ve ever had. Going to miss that one!

  • Kathy February 21, 2015 (1:35 pm)

    I didn’t see any free coffee at Alki Starbucks Friday morning. Maybe 8:45 was too late?

    • WSB February 21, 2015 (1:37 pm)

      They didn’t mention a time and we didn’t get over to look. We’ll check next Friday!

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