West Seattle restaurants: Bamboo announces new owner

(Remodeling under way inside Bamboo, which provided the photo)
After a rocky summer, Alki’s Bamboo Bar and Grill is closed most of this week, to reopen Friday, and is announcing new, local ownership. Two months ago, after a shooting outside, its management – then-ownership wasn’t present – called a community meeting to answer questions and make promises (WSB coverage here). Today, they’ve sent a news release saying they’re keeping the promises they made.

From the news release:

According to the new owner Plamen Stoyanov, over the last year or so the Bamboo had “lost its way.” The #1
priority, according to Plamen, is to bring back the magic of the Bamboo. “It will take work, but we are dedicated to bring fun back to the beach. I am removing many things that brought in the wrong clientele and bring back the things that attract the smart, professional customers who are looking to have a fun time.”

Safety and quality are the focus points of Bamboo’s new owner. How does he plan on doing that? “By increasing security headcount and changing the Bamboo’s overall entertainment.” … It is not only about changing the look and feel of the Bamboo, the food and drink is being revamped as well. New drink and food menus are already done. “In the past the Bamboo was known for its unique delicious, consistent food. I want to bring that back,” says John Theofelis, head chef and General Manager of the Bamboo. Switching some food vendors and focusing on local quality ingredients was the first step in this process. “We have trained and re-trained our support staff so that every customer gets the service they expect and deserve.”

Plamen is no stranger to the restaurant business. Having been the industry for over 18 years, he has seen what has worked and what hasn’t. “It is all about your customers, if you can win their hearts, they will be loyal. I enjoy winning hearts. It is important to be seen by your customers, they must know that you appreciate their business.”

Giving back to the community is important. The new owner already has a number of charitable events lined up, leveraging the Bamboo to increase charitable donations to a number of local charities.

Living literally 3 minutes from the Bamboo (via car), Plamen is a local West Seattleite and has lived here for over 8 years. A professional bike rider, Plamen rode for American and Italian bike racing teams and enjoys riding on the beach and around West Seattle.

The news release also says Bamboo will have a “grand reopening” this Friday (October 26) with an event billed as “Halloween on the Beach and Costume Competition,” featuring a DJ, dancing, and prizes.

(SIDE NOTE: The man charged in the August shooting, Michael Helmer, remains in jail, with his next court hearing set for early November.)

wescatle October 23, 2012 (11:53 am)

Outstanding news!! Best of luck to you and your staff.

Chuck & Sally's Van Man October 23, 2012 (11:56 am)

That’s great news, and I applaud the new owner’s transparency and effort. I have not been to the Bamboo in many years, but as one of the “professional customers” he’s trying to attract I will make a point to give it a shot. No pun intended ;) I wish them nothing but success.

Common October 23, 2012 (12:11 pm)

Pretty sure I’d still never go to eat somewhere that requires “increased security headcount”.

wsfam October 23, 2012 (12:12 pm)

Well, let’s hope they improve on their menu, prices, and service. We have been there a total of two times and left extremely unimpressed with the service.

on board October 23, 2012 (1:38 pm)

This place has served from what I could tell pretty standard Sysco distributor premade junk w/o any originality. I only went a couple of times and couldn’t find any reason to go back. I too would be wary of going anywhere on Alki that actually requires an “increased security headcount.” I would rather patronize a place that is actually good, and doesn’t require security.

NeoYogi October 23, 2012 (2:04 pm)

Change takes time and an initial increased security presence makes perfect sense. Everyone should be patient and stay positive and support someone who is just trying to do the right thing for his neighborhood. I wish the new owner all the best of luck!

dmk October 23, 2012 (2:17 pm)

I am glad the new owner is concerned about security and I will certainly give them another try as well.

carlton October 23, 2012 (2:39 pm)

None of you guys really care and would never go there in the first place. This board has so many hypocrites. Only a very,very small crowd maybe less than a dozen went to the meeting to voice their concern and help point the situational problems out. Don’t need to post this. You can flag it and leave it off.

Glenn October 23, 2012 (6:20 pm)

I among others welcome any positive changes to the neighborhood, and the owner’s comments seem on track. Best of luck! I’ll be sure to keep my eyes on the changes and will try Bamboo again.

Nichole October 23, 2012 (7:16 pm)

Please stop charging 75 cents to have Tarter with a FISH based dish.

wetone October 23, 2012 (8:14 pm)

Last time down there about 3 weeks ago on a Sunday we ended up walking out. Waited about 45 min. for breakfast and when served it was missing the hashbrowns, they informed us they were out. What was on the plate did not look good. Sort of wondering about Pegasus also. Seems the quality of the food there has gone down lately ? Makes me think something else might be going on behind the scenes down there. Something fishy

Genessee neighbor October 23, 2012 (10:12 pm)

Best of luck! We went to the Bamboo several times after it opened but stopped because is seemed like it was getting a little seedy with questionable clientele. Started going to the Junction instead or Admiral. Rumors of drug dealings at the Bamboo also scared us away. So, hope this is a good turn of events for the Alki neighborhood. We’ll try it again.

miws October 24, 2012 (8:17 am)

Props to those whose comments are positive and supportive, in the hopes that the new ownership and other changes will work out for the better…

Mike

Dee October 24, 2012 (8:36 pm)

Maybe also start with new waitresses. Went there for dinner, only one other customer in whole restaurant. Took our time therefore ordering when impatient waitress came over and took away 3 of our 4 menus. Weird.

kyle October 24, 2012 (9:57 pm)

Also don’t ask if you need anything else, and I say sure, a few ranches would be nice, and then add an extra $3 on the bill without telling us first.

Mike October 24, 2012 (10:31 pm)

Will give it another try after they re-open under Stoyanov’s guidance. Which places was Stoyanov with before in those 18 years? I ask as I’ve got a load of respect for Matt of Where Ya At Matt who has a long history of top notch restaurants before opening one of the most incredible food trucks ever and soon a full restaurant in Freemont. Would be great to have an idea of what the revamped Bamboo will be based on.

MB October 28, 2012 (1:25 am)

Hopefully they take care of that nasty bathroom with ceiling tiles falling down, and the broken toilet seat. The sealing is also covered in mold in the womens bathroom. The prices went up, quality, availability, menu selection and portions all changed for the worse when the last owner came in.. As soon as Ted left and the guy from Amante took over.. Really hope this place can change for the better and also not attract so many creepers in the evenings for the bar. Its honestly scary to go there, Ive lived on alki for 6 years and in west seattle my entire life and I stay clear from Bamboo in the evenings. Good luck new owner!