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Zippy's vs. Seamart, a struggle over parking lot etiquette

Started 2 years ago by pigpen
Latest reply from GenHillOne

pigpen
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I stopped by our local award winning burger joint for lunch this afternoon and was surprised to see no less than 7 signs posted in Zippy's warning customers of their neighbors itchy towing finger.

For those that are not aware Zippy's neighbor and landlord is the Seamart, a typical convenience store with a slightly better than average beer selection. Both are located in the same building at a busy intersection with only 6 or 7 parking spaces to share between the two of them.

I was unaware of the new tow campaign when I parked in the only available spot in the lot and ran in an placed an order to go. I was advised by the lovely folks at Zippy's that the Seamart has Lang Towing on speedial and towed 3 people in the last day or so. I quickly ran over to the Seamart to buy a soda. In the time that it took me to do those two things (place and order at Zippy's with no line in front of me, then go into the Seamart to buy a soda) there was a tow truck in the parking lot sizing up my car. Luckily I was able to move it without further incident.

This brings me to the point of this post:

I have a real problem with any individual or business that goes to such an extreme without first exercising other options for conflict resolution first. Furthermore, I cannot believe that such practices can lead to a healthy and sustainable business model for either landlord or tenant. I say this while recognizing that the over use of the limited parking by Zippy's customers hinders the Seamart by driving their customers across the street to 7-11, which has more parking.

It seems to me that a better way of maintaining and equitable distribution of the parking spaces would be to enlist Zippy's in the effort by reminding their customers of the neighboring business' needs. I think that we all care enough about our community here that we would be more than willing to oblige such a simple request.

Now it is time for us to do our part. When visiting Zippy's for a tasty Zip Royal, be sure to park in Zippy's allotted spaces or take the time and care to park on the street.

And to the Seamart, grow some stones and a some civility and remind us of your rights and needs. I promise, you'd be surprised at our response and the response to your bottom line.

Stay beautiful Wesley Attle.

:)

Posted 2 years ago #
WSB
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We just heard about this a bit earlier tonight (well, technically it's now 'last night'). May be more info to come.

Posted 2 years ago #
MargL
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I've never had a need to shop at Seamart and this doesn't make it likely that I ever will. Have to admit lack of parking has factored into why we don't frequent Zippy's as much as other establishments.

Posted 2 years ago #
JoB
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The thing is that many customers stop in the SeaMart lot, buy beverages and/or groceries and go next door to pick up their Zippy's order...

I was one of those people... but i won't risk having my car towed.

I don't think anyone has made the case for them that their business benefits from Zippys... Does anyone know them well enough to go talk with them? Sometimes you can't see the forest for the trees...

and for the record.. there are three businesses using that lot.. the coffee shop, the minimart and zippys.

Posted 2 years ago #
pbgirl423
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I have posted this before and I'll post it again...great burgers, HORRIBLE location and facility in my opinion. Zippys, get a new location with a drive through and second cashier for take out orders PLEASE!

Posted 2 years ago #
austin
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The street parking out front of zippys is normally plentiful and only a few feet further than their shared parking lot, about as far as the distance from a gas station to gas pumps. If you are able to walk just a little further it seems easier to park streetside than to do the zippys parking lot dance. It is too bad the convenience store feels the need to respond in that way, but it's also too bad some people shopping only at zippys disregard the signs stating seamart parking only. I would love to see zippys do well enough to upgrade their facilities or location* but I think it's a fine space to have started in.
*by which I mean "closer to my house"

Posted 2 years ago #
SarahScoot
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And I've posted this before and I'll post it again: there is PLENTY of street parking available around Zippy's. Yes, immediately towing people may not be the *best* policy from Seamart, but it's well within their rights, and I don't blame them for trying to protect their business. They're right across from a 7-Eleven, and probably lose customers to them when someone drives by and sees no parking available at Seamart, but plenty at 7-Eleven.
And a drive-thru, pbgirl? Really?! No thanks.
Edited: looks like Austin and I had a little mind-meld there, posting virtually the same thing at the same time. ;-)

Posted 2 years ago #
JimmyG
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I don't see the big deal.

Unless you're disabled and need the state sanctioned handicapped spot why not park a couple of blocks away and walk to get that burger?

I either walk to local restaurants or park a couple of blocks away when I'm going out for a meal. Lessens the guilt over adding fries to my meal.

Are we all so lazy we can't walk a few blocks to Zippy's?

Posted 2 years ago #
SarahScoot
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Oh, and pigpen, regarding your suggestion that Zippy's and Seamart work together to remind Zippy's customers to be courteous of Seamart's needs: that's how Zippy's started out. I went there within their first few days, and they had signs in the lot asking customers to *please* use street parking when possible. Obviously these requests haven't been heeded if Seamart has taken to having people towed. I know the times I've been to Zippy's (probably five times since they opened) I've seen many able-bodied people pull right into the lot and come in to Zippy's to leisurely eat their meal and chat. So unfortunately it appears that we do not all "care enough about our community" to not be inconsiderate to a neighboring business and/or the needs of the less mobile. I wish you were correct, though.

Posted 2 years ago #
c@lbob
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Seems to me that SeaMart should rent the whole building to Zippy's and look for a location away from the competition.

I'll be Zips would do well with a dining room.

Posted 2 years ago #
breanna43
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I vote that Zippy's look into moving into the space that's for lease on roxbury and 15th. And yes, catlbob, add a dining room!

Posted 2 years ago #
JoB
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i commend zippys for investing in the high point neighborhood...

and am tickled that their business is doing so well.

As for parking... even on a busy day there is plenty of nearby street parking... which is good because i don't think there is handicapped parking at Zippy's...

Posted 2 years ago #
datamuse
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Zippy's is in Highland Park, not High Point. FYI.

We just park on the street. Or walk, since it's about half a mile from our house. It's the only place to eat within walking distance so I like the location. Bigger space would be nice, though.

Posted 2 years ago #
Jiggers
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Anyone see that Zippy's was the top place to go and get a burger in Seattle? It is in the latest Seattle Metroplotan magazine issue and they beat out Jak's(who was second), and Spring Hill was also voted in the top 20 for a burger that cost u $17.

Posted 2 years ago #
Cait
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Zippy's must be doing something right! I agree though... Sea Mart needs to back off and should really think about the cost/benefit analysis involved here. Alienating mutual customers is not a great way to get business. Letting people park there to get to-go orders can't possibly cut down on their profit margin by much.

If there's plenty of on-street parking then Sea Mart customers can park there too! Both are convenience-driven businesses who would benefit from close parking. I'd say leave it all as joint parking and may the better business win the parking spots. Makes sense to me.

Posted 2 years ago #
pbgirl423
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Boy, everytime I post something here someone feels the need to be snarky. Sheesh...what's wrong with another Zippys location that branches out to people who might like a drive through option? I mean really...is this a place to post an opinion or not? I happen to be 8 months pregnant with a toddler. You try parking 2 blocks away and carry two bags of take out back home then get snarky with me about wanting a drive through people! Zippys is getting enough good press to branch out!!!

Posted 2 years ago #
JoB
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datamuse.. sorry to have mis-spoken. Of course it's in highland park.. and it is still good that they are investing in the neighborhood.

cait.. i can see why the parking situation isn't working for the min-mart... most zippys customers are there for a while.. the typical min-mart customer is in and out..

pbgrl423.. really.. you have to park 2 blocks away to go to zippys? i seldom park more than 1/2 a block away...

i do think people who don't really need curbside parking should park on the street so those who do need it have access.. but i don't think that's going to happen any time soon.

Posted 2 years ago #
datamuse
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I get why Seamart has an issue, really. Even if you're getting a to-go order it can still be quite a wait. I don't mind that because they're making food to order, which is one reason it's so much better than McD's.

We usually park on the street because it's easier, really. Navigating that parking lot can be tricky.

Posted 2 years ago #
JoB
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no fooling.

Posted 2 years ago #
pbgirl423
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This thread is giving me a headache. Can't we all just agree that nothing's going to change and Seamart can suck it?

Posted 2 years ago #
SarahScoot
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Sorry, but I won't agree to the "Seamart can suck it" part of your comment, pbgirl423. Seamart and Zippy's share a very small parking lot. They agreed to split the spaces. Zippy's customers have been inconsiderate to that request, despite Zippy's placing nice signs asking people to please park on the street if possible. I truly don't think that Seamart's management/owners are wrong in having cars towed when they don't heed the signs.

Posted 2 years ago #
pbgirl423
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People can complain via this thread all they want but I seriously doubt anything's going to change. Try to find some humor here. There are some angry people in WS!

Posted 2 years ago #
datamuse
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That may be so, but I can't say I've seen any in this thread.

Posted 2 years ago #
jamminj
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I've only been to Zippy's a handful of times, but always just parked around the corner on the street, no biggy. What I find more difficult is the amount of space in zippy's. When bringing a family, find it difficult to have a sit down at that place - that's what holds us going back more often, not the parking.

Posted 2 years ago #
DM
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As a resident of the Highland Park neighborhood, I'm thrilled that Zippy's AND Seamart are close by. I like having family owned businesses, and very good take out food, in our neighborhood. I miss the family that previously owned the "complex", but the new owners are nice folks. I think the "complex" is just going through a growing pain with the parking. Until Zippy's moved in, there hadn't been a successful business in that small space. The owners of Seamart AND Zippy's have been very clear about telling Zippy's customers to not park in the small lot from moment one. It's clear that they have an agreement. I suspect the owners of Seamart had to finally put their foot down as far as the unauthroised parking. Zippy's customers can easily park close by for free on Holden, a street that previously has been under used for parking, and it would be just like parking on the street for many neighborhood establishments. Many neighborhood eateries don't have dedicated parking lots.

We always call in a take-out order because we know the place is tiny. The fact that they are tiny may be a key to their current success. We cheerfully walk a lot further to pick up our order than the people complaining about not being able to park in the lot.

I guess what I'm saying is: you know there is a parking restriction in the lot. Park on Holden. It's a very short walk.

Posted 2 years ago #
pigpen
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Thank you all for your input and thoughts on this topic. I enjoyed hearing what you all had to contribute (especially cait, DM and sarahcoot).

I will surely do my part to avoid using seamart's parking, but I will also be going out of my way to avoid shopping there. I am not vindictive, I just believe that if a business truly is part of the community their actions will reflect that. By not calling Zippy's and asking them to remind customers that are seen parking in the incorrect location, and instead electing to call the tow company, they are confirming this allegation.

And thank you to the wonderful people at Zippy's that are doing their part by reminding EVERYONE that enters (at least they did when I was there) about parking lot etiquette.

/end thread

Posted 2 years ago #
JoB
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pigpen...

i think the Seamart has tried to work with zippys...

but as it has become extremely popular with people who don't know enough not to park in the lot.. they have lost parking spots for their own customers.

it's not Zippy's fault and it's not SeaMart's fault.. the lot is clearly marked...

escalating a landlord/tenant dispute by calling for a boycott of the landlord isn't likely to help communication...

Let's give them a chance to work this out between themselves.

Posted 2 years ago #
grr
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sure wish Zippy's would have put a place in the Junction somewhere instead.

Posted 2 years ago #
JoB
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grr...

i don't.. it wouldn't be my favorite place if i had to negotiate junction traffic and parking to get to it...

everyone is complaining about having to park as much as a block away.. but if it was in the junction they would most likely be walking a lot further.

Posted 2 years ago #
celeste17
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I like Zippy's where it is. I do wish they were bigger as I would love to be able to eat my burger and fries there. I would love to sit and look at all the customers or look out the window and watch the world rush by while I am enjoying an awesome burger. Wish they had a bday club so I could get a free burger or fries on my bday.

Posted 2 years ago #
pigpen
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There has been some misinterpretation of my remarks, I DID NOT call for a boycott. A boycott is defined as:

a form of consumer activism involving the act of voluntarily abstaining from using, buying, or dealing with someone or some other organization as an expression

I, me...one person, have elected to avoid shopping there WHEN POSSIBLE.

Another point that needs to be addressed, I did not complain about walking (I walked 4 blocks from my house to Zippy's yesterday) from street parking to Zippy's. I merely pointed out that resorting to towing without asking Zippy's to assist in parking lot management or other forms of conflict resolution, was detrimental to both Zippy's and Seamart. Not to mention that it is also petty ad childish. Furthermore, I am imply advocating for exhausting all other options of conflict resolution before resorting to the most stringent enforcement of rules and/or policies. Nothing more...nothing less.

celeste17:

A burger club for you to get a free burger on your birthday? Please tell me you aren't serious. The world does not revolve around your birth.

/end thread

I know for a fact the Zippy's has been trying to convey to their patrons the rules of parking when patronizing their establishment.

Posted 2 years ago #
celeste17
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Hi, why not a burger club for a free burger? I know its a gimmick but it would be a fun gimmick and I know it would bring in customers. I get a coupon from both Duke's and Red Robin for a free meal and it brings me into those restaurants.

I don't have the option of walking to Zippy's as I live in the junction area but I will park on the street and avoid parking in the lot (especially now).

Posted 2 years ago #
pbgirl423
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After reading through this thread I started to really crave a Zippy's burger. After finding a huge piece (size of a half dollar) of grisel or something hard inside the burger meat I am now totally grossed out and now do not have to worry about where I'm going to park because I won't be eating there for awhile.

FYI: I got the order to go while my husband and toddler waited in the car for me so unfortunately I couldn't take it back unless I wanted to drive another 15 minutes and wait in line again.

Posted 2 years ago #
bluebird
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I thought I was the only one who didn't really care for this place. I mean it's ok, but not great. Nothing I would go out of my way for. Have any of you tried the new burger place by Costco on 4th? Best I've had around here. Jack Daniel's whiskey BBQ with bacon. You won't regret it.

Posted 2 years ago #
rahel
Member Profile

Zippy's here....
To clarify a couple of things:
1) We never had an agreement with SeaMart about the number of spaces allocated to us. It was done without our knowledge. The lines were painted after we moved into the building.
2) We have attempted to work with SeaMart on many occasions about the parking situation; we are very aware it's an issue. We also ask our customers to move if we see them parking in SeaMart's spots.
3) If JoJo's is closed, you can use their spots. YAY!
4) pbgirl423, I am so sincerely sorry about your burger!! We do grind the meat in house each and every day - it's not pre-ground. I will tell the boys to be a little more attentive. PLEASE, next time you're in, PLEASE let us know and we will comp your next burger. As a matter of fact, if anyone comes in that's had a bad experience, we do everything we possibly can to make it right.
5) celeste17, if you tell them it's your birthday, you won't get a free burger, but we're not opposed to giving you an ice cream cone and some stickers! :)

On a final note - Zippy (yes, virginia there really is a Zippy) and the landlord have had some great discussions this week. It may be that SeaMart is coming around and might actually ask you to move first before towing your car. We are doing our best to work it out with them amicably because we all know it's in the best interest of both businesses.

Thank you to everyone who has supported us.
Oh and bluebird, thank you for your post as well. We know taste is completely subjective and not everyone will like our product. I tried Monster Burger a few months ago and found it less than desireable (burned on the outside and raw on the inside) but I will have to give them another shot! You made my mouth water...mmmmm BBQ and BACON!!

Posted 2 years ago #
bluebird
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rahel, you're absolutely right, taste is subjective and I appreciate you giving me the benefit of the doubt that I wasn't slamming you. I kind of like that burnt on the outside flavor, as you describe Monster Burger. Go figure.

What I enjoy about your place is the outstanding customer service and your great taste in decor and soda flavors. You've created a fun, appealing environment. Room for both, IMO.

Posted 2 years ago #
celeste17
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Maybe the way to take care of the parking situation is to install a couple of picnic tables in the spots right in front of your door and then put up signs on all the other spots and have them say if you are parking at Zippy's don't park here use the street. That would take care of everything. :)

Posted 2 years ago #
GenHillOne
Member Profile

Yeah, this thread got us to Zippy's this week too - and we parked on the street :)

I agree, great burger, but we can't possibly wait 40-45 minutes (standing around said parking lot) for a to-go order again. Obviously, a very popular place because it's good, but they don't have the space to handle the volume.

Posted 2 years ago #
Lex
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I call my zippy's order in, double park the car run in and get my order in 3 min flat. no tow truck can beat me hahah. seriously park on the street there is plenty of parking all around.

Posted 2 years ago #
JoB
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GenHillOne...

i have had some great conversations waiting for a zippys burger:)

Posted 2 years ago #
mattereaterlad
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I love the Zippy's, but if you're going to call ahead, be prepared to "hold" for about 10 minutes...

Posted 2 years ago #
GenHillOne
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LOL, we did run into someone we knew, JoB. Unfortunately, we were hungry and were getting worried about the pile of year-end school projects waiting for us at home. Couldn't call in an order because we'd never been and didn't know the menu. They're obviously popular though!

Posted 2 years ago #