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Zippy's future

Started 1 year ago by JanS
Latest reply from Admiral935

JanS
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Now more than ever they need the community support...

http://blogs.seattleweekly.com/voracious/2010/12/mom_and_pop_vs_evil_bankers.php

Posted 1 year ago #
JoB
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the lot was full when we passed by around 6 today...

Posted 1 year ago #
JanS
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glad to see that...now that I don't even have the potential of a car, at least for a little while, I can't get there..but I may have a friend or two that will take me by sometime :)

Posted 1 year ago #
datamuse
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Darnit, I should've given in to temptation and grabbed dinner there on my way home from work.

Maybe tomorrow I'll convince the husband we don't need to cook at home for a change...

Posted 1 year ago #
ToddinWestwood
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I am sure they know we will follow them wherever they go.

Posted 1 year ago #
JoB
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Toddinwestwood...

the problem is that there is no guarantee that they will be able to rehome themselves somewhere else.

yes.. they can move most of their equipment...
and their loyal customers will follow them

but they are a small business
that is likely just beginning to dig itself out of the hole it created opening

it takes time and money to start over in a new location
not to mention a whole load of government paperwork and inspections...

Bankers seem to have forgotten how to make anything except short term profits
or they wouldn't be blithely ignoring a successful business in a repossessed commercial building.

Posted 1 year ago #
Andy
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I went there for lunch today and had a brief chat with the owner. No solid plans yet, but aside from some obvious frustration he was optimistic.

This is complete speculation on my part, but he didn't seem worried about the possibility of having to shut down. And I didn't do any digging about possible new locations, so there's no risk of me starting any rumors there.

Posted 1 year ago #
JoB
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good to know

Posted 1 year ago #
johnnyblegs
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reminds me....got to use that Groupon soon.

Posted 1 year ago #
WSB
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We have never portrayed this as a case of them possibly having to shut down, though one other media organization decided to spin it that way. (Of course, ANYONE who rents from someone else is technically at risk of having to leave any time the landlord decides to go in a different direction - or is befallen by this type of trouble.)

It should be noted that they really love the neighborhood and are not looking to take off for someplace else - Highland Park is not the default "good enough till we find someplace better" date.

And the other fact is that they disagree with what the bank claims the building is worth. But they have been exploring lots of possibilities. And we'll keep following up.

Posted 1 year ago #
datamuse
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I wondered about that, since the asking price was, if memory serves, based on an appraisal from two years ago? I know commercial properties are different, but I keep my appraisals, and the one from two years ago ain't nothing like the one I got most recently. (NB: I live in Highland Park.)

I really hope they can stay here. The local food options are limited unless you go to White Center, which I have no objection to but it's a bit far to walk. Zippy's is just the right distance for me to feel virtuous about walking there for a burger and fries. ;)

Posted 1 year ago #
Pibal
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The bank in question is UniBank. Here's a link to their "About Us" section:

http://www.unibankusa.com/2755/mirror/about-unibank.htm

Their core values:

- Honesty and Integrity
- Professionalism and Confidentiality of Customer Information
- The Spirit of Partnership with the Community
- Superior Service

Posted 1 year ago #
HMC Rich
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I guess Zippy's won't be catering a UniBank function soon. Our family will be indulging in fabulous Zippy burgers to help out. Come on Troops, Lets show our support.

Posted 1 year ago #
ws4ever
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Highland Park deserves more great talent like Zippys.

Posted 1 year ago #
WSB
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The bank contends the appraisal was done this past fall, as reported in one of our stories - WSB contributor Deanie Schwarz talked with one of the bank reps who were at the now-closed minimart last week for a few things (including putting a note on the door that says "Remodeling").

Posted 1 year ago #
Wheels45
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In the comments of the posted article from the Weekly, it mentions that The Tap House will be going into the Table 35 spot. Any truth there?

Posted 1 year ago #
Andy
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Well, now that's interesting news. Evidently that announcement is on a sign in the window. Have to go check on that.

Posted 1 year ago #
WSB
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No, there is nothing in the windows or on the door. Patrick has just made a loop. We checked out the Taphouse rumor more than a month ago. The latest is that Chow Foods (Endolyne Joe's) is looking at the space; we talked to its owner a few weeks back (before that rumor appeared elsewhere) and he said yes, they were taking a look, but that's as far as it had gone. Believe me, we spend a lot of time checking out rumors, but we try not to waste people's time with a story unless there's something resembling 'definite.'

Posted 1 year ago #
Jasperblu
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Went in on Monday for burgers and shakes. Mmmmmm. As good as ever. I sure hope they can work out a solution so they don't have to incur the HUGE expense of moving shop. Whatever happens, wherever they end up, I just want Zippy's to stay in business!

Posted 1 year ago #
JoB
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The best way to help them stay in business is to give them all the business you can now so they can earn the money to explore options.

come on..
you know you wanted a zippy's burger anyway :)

Posted 1 year ago #
stina
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I went to support Zippy's today at 3:20pm. It was very busy. I'm glad I called in my order in advance. I had no idea they were so popular at "off" hours.

Posted 1 year ago #
herongrrrl
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We were happy to make a contribution to the cause last night. Yum!

Posted 1 year ago #
JoB
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wouldn't it be wonderful if helping out was always this rewarding ;->

Posted 1 year ago #
Garden_nymph
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JoB,

Indeed, it would be wonderful!

Posted 1 year ago #
giantburgers
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keep the faith.

Posted 1 year ago #
Mater
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I heard that they were looking at the old Chuck and Sally's on CA and Raymond. Any truth to that? Our neighborhood would LOVE it!!

Posted 1 year ago #
SpeakLoud
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White Center White Center White Center White Center come to White Center

Posted 1 year ago #
clark5080
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35th and roxbury

Posted 1 year ago #
JoB
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it doesn't matter to me...
i will drive there no matter where they go

Posted 1 year ago #
charlabob
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Has anyone actually seen the estimate? Should be easy enough to get and would solve at least one question. :-) Meantime, the b and i are going over to "help zippys out" (and kill our diets) at least once this weekend.

Posted 1 year ago #
giantburgers
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hey ya charlabob, what estimate are you refering to???

Posted 1 year ago #
charlabob
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The appraisal date -- WSB talked to someone at the bank who said the appraisal was recent, not two years ago. Since it continues to come up, I'd think the bank would show it.

Many folks (like myself and, apparently, the weekly) tend to be wary of anything a bank says. That could make it harder to mediate on both sides, so I'm suggesting that more transparency could help with that.

Posted 1 year ago #
WSB
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Unibank has not been returning our reporter's calls, fyi, to follow up on this from their standpoint.

Posted 1 year ago #
charlabob
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Good to know, WSB -- we count on you for exactly that.

Posted 1 year ago #
anonyme
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I second 35th & Roxbury!!! It even has parking.

Posted 1 year ago #
JoB
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anonyme...

unless you are talking about replacing existing businesses....
that empty building also has environmental issues that would make permits problematic...
i am pretty sure the gas tanks are still there...

but i suppose they could go mobile and pay to park there

Posted 1 year ago #
MargL
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JoB - I believe anonyme is referring to the corner lot at 35th and Roxbury that was last a Payday Loans - but was at least 2 different restaurants in previous incarnations. I don't think it'd be a problem to re-permit the space for a food establishment given the history.

Posted 1 year ago #
giantburgers
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We think we have come up with a best case quick option for our humble little burger shack.. If it goes down we'll know by the end of the week.. Until then we will be closed on mondays starting tomorrow and extending through the rest of February. We'll also be closed next Sunday the 6th. Zippy Blaine needs a mental health day.

Posted 1 year ago #
Mookie
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We're pulling for you, Zippy! (Fingers crossed the future holds space to make fresh onion rings, too!) I'll be there Tuesday for a bacon burger with cheddar...

Posted 1 year ago #
JoB
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MargL
i wan thinking of 35th & Barton :(

giantburgers...
and i had planned to be in for lunch tomorrow ;)
it can wait.
enjoy your mental health day...

breathe now.. you won't have time later.

Posted 1 year ago #
JanS
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wherever it is, we know it'll be good :)

Posted 1 year ago #
Admiral935
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kitchen\space across from the Admiral Theater @ Cali\Admiral, lousy parking, but large business from the High School midday and various knoshers daily. Thank you.

Posted 1 year ago #
JanS
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Admiral935...wouldn't that be a coup for this area!

Posted 1 year ago #
Admiral935
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indubitably

Posted 1 year ago #