West Seattle coffee: Bird on a Wire’s Admiral store suddenly closed

| West Seattle news | WS beverages

ORIGINAL 3:04 PM REPORT: In the Admiral storefront at 2604 California SW, Bird on a Wire Espresso is suddenly closed – just 4 months after the popular Westwood shop expanded there, first to serve coffee in tandem with Heavenly Pastry (which was baking in the back of the same space), then going it alone when Heavenly completely pulled out in January. We received two messages about the closure this afternoon, and here’s what we can tell you: We went to Bird on a Wire’s original (and still open) SW Henderson location, where owner Heidi Herr told us she wasn’t ready to comment yet. Then we went to the Admiral storefront, where we found only the empty windows seen in the photo above. A reader who e-mailed us about this said there had been a note on the door this morning saying the closure was as of 5 pm yesterday and mentioning something about a lease; however, when we checked about an hour ago, there was no note in sight. So far we do NOT know if this is a permanent or temporary closure; if we get additional information, we’ll add it here. (Again, Bird on a Wire remains OPEN at its Westwood location at 3509 SW Henderson.)

ADDED 4:18 PM: Just e-mailed by Bird on a Wire’s owner:

Essentially, due to the original intent for the Bird/Heavenly venture obviously changing (their decision to shut down completely), and then given the impact of the Safeway development, I was concerned and did not want to risk the health and vitality of the Original Bird (at SW Henderson St). I saw no improvements on the horizon, so I made the decision to fly back South.

We will miss the new friends we made in the Admiral ‘hood and hope to see our new “peeps” at our other shop when life or business takes them in that Southernly direction.

And YES the Bird is alive and well at 3509 SW Henderson St! We will even be extending our hours soon-stay tuned!

Regards,

Heidi Herr
www.birdonawireespresso.com

A Westwood Neighbor March 20, 2011 (3:28 pm)

I recenly saw the business listed for sale in our local MLS for $75,000.

karla March 20, 2011 (3:42 pm)

Maybe I’d better use my Bird On A Wire Groupon soon!

Glenda March 20, 2011 (3:51 pm)

Is it just me or does Heavenly Bakery seem extremely flaky and unreliable? Sorry about the bad baking pun, but I’m hoping Bird on a Wire didn’t suffer because of a bad business parter.

Meghan March 20, 2011 (4:35 pm)

Too bad, but it sounds like she did the right thing. It’s an old small business story: a successful small business opens a 2nd location that is unsuccessful and drags down the original business financially. That’s happened to several restaurants. It was very smart of her to see the writing on the wall and pull the plug suddenly.

charlabob March 20, 2011 (4:51 pm)

Maybe the right thing, but moving with no notice from an enterprise that neighborhood folks walk to on a Sunday morning doesn’t seem very friendly. Stick to Zatz — they stick to us. I won’t be visiting the Westwood Bird anytime soon.

Jasperblu March 20, 2011 (5:24 pm)

@charlabob Wow, that’s pretty harsh & UN-neighborly of you. Are you a business owner who has put 8+ years of your life, money and time into building a business & brand? Or perhaps you’re just a 20-something who doesn’t yet know how hard it actually is in the Real World, in a Crap Economy, with Crabby Fickle Neighbors who think they Know Everything?
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I’m a regular at the original Bird & I know how hard Heidi works to have a great business & to also take good care of her customers. We have NO idea what’s going on with the Admiral location, (though I do know that Heavenly totally bailed out with little to no explanation or notice).
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I’m sure there’s a good reason for the decision to close, and while you are of course free to give your business to anyone you choose, I’d suggest being a little more sensitive to the folks who actually have the gumption & drive to open up a business here in OUR beloved West Seattle, let alone try to open a 2nd one. Running a business is damn hard work! Most often, it’s a labor of love and/or passion, and owners rarely get huge sums of financial “glory” for their efforts.
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I pat Ms. Herr on the back big time for her chutzpa & her enthusiasm with regard to the Admiral endeavor. Y’all needed a good coffee house up there. IMO, it’s really a loss for the Admiral District (albeit a gain for those of us who’ve missed seeing her at the Original Bird as of late).
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My best wishes go out to Heidi! I know you’ll land squarely on your feet, no matter what!

yo March 20, 2011 (5:30 pm)

@Charlabob:

How often did you drive from Admiral to Westwood to visit bird on a wire? You would drive 4 miles and pass over a dozen other coffee serving establishments to go to bird on a wire?

I don’t know the details, but I hope they pulled the plug quickly on the admiral location and minimized their losses. If so, then I commend them.

macj March 20, 2011 (5:54 pm)

Too bad. We’ve been needing more decent coffee shops in Admiral for some time. Freshy’s is a little further than a stroll would usually take me, and Zatz’s is a better restaurant than coffee shop. Hopefully they can regroup and find a better location here, I’d welcome them back.

bebecat March 20, 2011 (6:09 pm)

She was more than likely smart to pull out. There was no parking anywhere close. And all that construction :(. Then there is going to be a new and improved Starbucks in the new Safeway development and I hear there will be a new Cafe Ladro in the development north of Blockbuster Video north side of the new sewing store…”Stitch in Time”? Anyhow for those wanting a coffee house walking distance I believe it is on it’s way and it will have better parking for those who drive!

Monica Skov March 20, 2011 (6:13 pm)

I loved stopping by their new location, the girls are the sweetest. Heidi is a small gal and I know she made the right decision for her shop and her people.

J D March 20, 2011 (6:39 pm)

I heart the Bird, and don’t mind going out of my way for great coffee and treats. A fine Seattle establishment that I love to support with my hard earned cash! GO BIRD!

Service Dog Academy March 20, 2011 (7:02 pm)

Was there a compensation package given to the small business for the construction project that has taken away their ability for customers to frequent their store? As a small business owner I am terrified of the day some big construction project moves into my neighborhood and decimates my students ability to find parking. I completely sympathize with the woman and her business.

Mary McNeight, BGS, CCS
Service Dog Academy, Seattle WA
Owner/Head Trainer
http://www.servicedogacademy.com
mary@servicedogacademy.com
206-355-9033

Gina March 20, 2011 (7:16 pm)

I think that a good decision was made, especially when such a change was made from what was originally agreed upon. (sharing of the space.) And Bird was compensated with what, the recipe for the big Cheezy? Sorry to see the Bird leave Admiral, that was a good fit for the spot, and made a much better use of the space.

Gatewood family March 20, 2011 (7:22 pm)

Good call, Heidi! Bird on a Wire is one of the most personable businesses in West Seattle. We’ll plan on drinking extra coffee in the coming weeks. It’s a special place that adds value to our neighborhood!

coffee March 20, 2011 (7:30 pm)

We were having dinner at circa and I noticed lots of activity going kn but shrugged it off to cleaning.
Ladro is soso, same with zatas, and charbucks in safeway ick. Glad that she can refocus on the south end and maybe she can get some of On Safari’s space and expand there….

WestSide45 March 20, 2011 (7:41 pm)

From an earlier post:

“We’ve been needing more decent coffee shops in Admiral for some time.”

Why? So you can pay $4.00 for a shot of caffeine with a little flavoring? People complain they haven’t got sufficient funds these days, but will shell out $1000/year (based on $4.00/day five days a week, less two weeks vacation) for something totally unnecessary, other than the need for a chemical fix.

Rm March 20, 2011 (8:06 pm)

Well yeah…!!! Sometimes twice a day, and why did you leave out weekends?

LatteRose March 20, 2011 (8:19 pm)

Well, I’m sad to see them go, they made good breves.
@bebecat – Hope that’s true about Ladro going in by the fabric store! Won’t have to travel so far for a Medici, yum!

WSB March 20, 2011 (8:22 pm)

We have an inquiry out to CL already regarding that comment, and will follow up with a phone call tomorrow if we don’t get an e-reply – TR

Spana March 20, 2011 (8:26 pm)

This is the first I’ve heard of that Ladro rumor but OMG I hope it’s true.

JanS March 20, 2011 (8:42 pm)

Hey, Gina…you didn’t think the Big Cheesy was worthy? Maybe they (heavenly bakery) should have given the recipe for Grandma’s pretzels. ;-)

Sorry that the Bird didn’t work out. Parking is what it is in the front. The construction crew parks back here on 42nd, since it’s all day parking, so that shouldn’t have made the difference. Parking in front of the coffee shop has always been two hour parking, I believe. Hopefully someone will see the value of a storefront with a place to bake right on the premises. I would hate for that space to sit empty.

Diane March 20, 2011 (9:02 pm)

It really is a shame to hear how construction and lack of parking has negatively impacted some of the Admiral businesses; every time I drive through that section, the traffic and parking are a mess; since it’s temporary and not directly affecting me, hadn’t thought much about it, look forward to the outcome; but it is sad to hear the hardship to businesses there; that storefront will be an incredibly valuable spot for a business by next year, when the build-out is done and apts are full.
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I participated in all the design reviews for the Safeway project, and must admit don’t recall this potential issue coming up (perhaps should have been obvious; lesson learned); focus was more about hastening the timeline to get it complete, and the finished product, what would go into new building, how to increase “activity”, walkability along California, and to make the new Safeway an asset for community; sorry to say, there was very little chatter about how this year could hurt longterm businesses and/or any new startups in that junction; sure hope all the rest can hang on til August for completion
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I noticed today the building next to WS Fabric Co finally going up; wondered what it might be, who is the developer; I was hoping apartments; looks modern; Café Ladro makes sense and sounds great for that location

WSB March 20, 2011 (9:40 pm)

Diane, the building next to WS Fabric Company is townhouse/live-work units, developer Soleil, who has been doing a raft of those elsewhere, including Morgan Junction.
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http://web1.seattle.gov/DPD/permitstatus/default.aspx?a=2206,,CALIFORNIA,AVE,SW

Diane March 20, 2011 (9:06 pm)

Hey Jan, I called about the apt for rent near you today; wondered how it might be living with another 6 mos of construction on 42nd, but the end result of living across from your personal pantry would be awesome

tt March 20, 2011 (9:38 pm)

I will miss the coffee shop, but not Heavenly. Stuff was horrible!

Diane March 20, 2011 (10:15 pm)

oh thanks TR; that makes a lot more sense for what I saw today
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so where is the location of potential new Cafe Ladro up by WS Fabric? the building I’m talking about is just next door, north of their store

WSB March 21, 2011 (11:53 am)

Sorry to disappoint, but from the top at Caffe Ladro comes a denial of that rumor:
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I’m afraid this is the first I’ve heard of a north West Seattle Ladro, but if your readers have a great location all picked out for us, we’d be happy to take a look!

Jeff Howell

(Caffe Ladro GM)
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While out and about this morning, we drove by the building next to WS Fabric, and it’s definitely townhouse/live-work configuration, not coffee shop (take a look at the Soleil/Knoll buildings on west side of California just north of Graham – with another one going up AT that corner – to see an example). But if you do want to pitch Ladro, we reached them through the “contact” form on their website, so you could certainly send suggestions there too :) – TR

islewrite March 20, 2011 (10:23 pm)

The loss of the parking spots along the Admiral side between Cal. and 42nd has affected the small businesses there as well. I understand that traffic and bikes can move more smoothly there now, but there was so little parking available as it was. Wish we could have kept those spots. When Safeway is complete, I’m sure the “park here only while shopping” restrictions will still be in place. I understand them….but would love to see a little more community-support. Am grateful for the Bartell’s garage, but I know it’s a bit of a hike for some of the older folks…(And of course, so few people realize it is there.)

Traci March 20, 2011 (10:39 pm)

Ah, this is sad to hear but it makes sense that closing was the best decision. That spot has a lot of potential, hopefully another business can find a better fit there!

Gina March 20, 2011 (10:54 pm)

Jan–I will never forget the HB’s baked goods and unique business model. Tasting a freshly baked pretzel in Admiral will continue to be a dream for you and me.
During the time that Safeway has been closed, someone selling canned sodas, chips, and Costco type baked goods could have made a fortune off the high school kids at that location. PCC is the only local business that jumped on that opportunity. In a healthy way.

JanS March 20, 2011 (10:58 pm)

Diane…I’m thinking that would be the ground unit on the south side of the building, right next to our building…it’s empty…and it has the use of a patio and lovely yard that’s fenced and private. And, yes, having the second refrigerator right across the street 24-7 is wonderful. And when you need them, PCC and Met Market are pretty close, too. It’s a great area to live in…and you get used to the construction noise – lol..I’ve had quite a few months of it now.

For those saying it’s parking that closed the Bird, nothing has changed on Cali. Ave. That stretch right in front of it has always been restricted to 2 hours. I think parking will always be a problem for those businesses there The all day parking on the east side of 42nd SW in that block is full every day, mostly construction guys, and people who drive to that area, park, and take the 56 to downtown. Sadly, I recently heard that the parking lot below Bartell’s has been used for overflow for construction workers (per Sarah Corn from Safeway). That will all change come August when the store is done.

Concerned Citizen March 21, 2011 (7:24 am)

I don’t blame you one little bit!!! No reason to stay in a place when “one” leaves the other with the full bill! Sure it would be nice to have “Bird” in Admiral … but I wouldn’t want to run down my other long time, great going coffee shop either!! There will be other chances and maybe better times ahead! Love ya’

sophista-tiki March 21, 2011 (8:30 am)

MMMM Bird, when ever I want to splurge on a coffe I hoof it over to the Bird for a double Short americano. Not as frequently as I used to due to belt tightening, There may not be 2 birds, but atleast there is still a Bird on a Wire to visit. Westwood resident

Bill V March 21, 2011 (9:12 am)

Westwood up, admiral down. “Zatz” the truth.

Kent March 21, 2011 (12:27 pm)

Bummer to see Bird leave Admiral. We enjoyed having them in the neighborhood, and one of my boys will be devastated that he can no longer get one of their little quiches for breakfast. They were a nice alternative to have here. Good luck to Heidi and much success.

funkietoo March 21, 2011 (12:27 pm)

Very smart business decision on Heidi’s part.

@Charlabob…your harsh statement really surprised me.

Diane March 21, 2011 (12:40 pm)

thanks for the great research follow up TR
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I know this is small compared to your comprehensive reports of court cases, the hole, etc, but still highly valued by WS folks
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glad someone else inquired about that building; I really wanted to know, but probably would not have asked

WSB March 21, 2011 (12:57 pm)

No significant rumor goes unresearched! Glad that Jeff Howell responded rather promptly .. and noted that he’s familiar with WSB. (We were tooling around Admiral talking about the lower # of coffee shops there now … but still some good ones, like Freshy’s, and then there’s espresso at Alki Mail and Dispatch, where Patrick and I stopped to say hi to Don and get a latté – since we were just about to pass that storefront when our coffee conversation made us realize we were thirsty!)

Kalakala March 21, 2011 (11:59 pm)

The Bird is legendary. I think Heidi made a wise decision and I wish her tons of luck. I’ll continue to hit up the original Bird, where the coffee is great and the service is absolutely top notch.