BIZNOTES, WHITTAKER EDITION: Update on MOD Pizza ; plus, another new tenant

Two biznotes at The Whittaker (4755 Fauntleroy; WSB sponsor):

MOD PIZZA: The “individual, artisan-style pizza and salads” restaurant is now planning to open its West Seattle location in early February. That’s according to Charlotte Wayte, who also sent word that they’re having two hiring events at the future restaurant, for 30 job openings: 10 am-4 pm Saturday, January 20th, and Sunday, January 21st. They’re also taking applications online. The announcement notes:

Named one of the “20 Best Workplaces in Retail” by Fortune, MOD offers health, dental and vision benefits, short-term disability, sick pay, flexible scheduling for work-life balance and opportunities for career growth. MOD is also proud to support its MOD Squad with special perks such as free meals, an employee assistance program, and access to an emergency crisis fund.

The chain was founded in Seattle and is growing fast. The West Seattle store is 2,500 square feet and, according to the update, “will include original artwork and MOD’s signature ‘Wall of Fame,’ a photo collage that pays homage to the local community and people from the MOD journey.” The opening date isn’t finalized yet but MOD says it will partner that day with a TBA local nonprofit who will get 100 percent of the pizza-sales proceeds from that day.

KINETIC SPORTS REHAB: According to the building’s updated site map, and a permit application, another of the remaining Whittaker spaces has been taken – Kinetic Sports Rehab is coming to the south building, in the space north of CityMD. It currently has two locations, both in north Seattle. (The space also is next to the future Orangetheory Fitness – we have a message out to check on when they’re planning to open.)

carol January 11, 2018 (12:49 pm)

“is growing fast” link goes to wrong place.

WSB January 11, 2018 (1:06 pm)

Thanks, fixed. It was supposed to (and now does) go to this story I found while looking around for a little more background:
http://www.businessinsider.com/mod-pizza-raises-73-million-2018-1

Homecooker January 11, 2018 (3:29 pm)

How many pizza restaurants does WS have now?.

WSB January 11, 2018 (3:30 pm)

https://westseattleblog.com/2017/07/west-seattle-food-fried-chicken-chinese-food-and-now-pizza-for-mark-fuller-turning-ex-pellegrini-market-into-supreme/#comment-2098716

onion January 11, 2018 (3:49 pm)

MOD 22 doesn’t hold a candle next to our finer pizzerias, such as Pizzeria 22, Pegasus, Proletariat, or even Pagliacci (to name only a few). But they compare very favorably to the Papa Johns, Dominos, and Pizza Huts. If I lived in or a few minutes walk from the Whitaker MOD would be a convenient quick meal spot. Otherwise, the odds are nil that I will end up there.

Earlybird January 11, 2018 (4:17 pm)

Any movement on Whole Foods recently?

WSB January 11, 2018 (4:49 pm)

I have a request out to them for a timeline update. Had been hoping this would have been a Whittaker three-fer but WF didn’t reply yesterday. Nor has Orangetheory replied today.

Eddie January 11, 2018 (5:58 pm)

Every time someone complains about “another pizza place in west seattle” they should be reminded of the THIRTY JOBS that they are hiring for.

JayDee January 11, 2018 (7:34 pm)

@ Eddie:

But what if another pizza place goes out of business and those jobs are lost? It is not like offering more pizza leads to more pizza consumption overall. MOD pizza has its place (I call it Tortilla Pizza) but if had MOD for lunch would I order more pizza for dinner?

Curate January 12, 2018 (12:17 pm)

MOD pizza is a totally different type of pizza place than any we currently have in WS. I do love the offerings at places like Pizzeria 22, but it is a lot more expensive than MOD. MOD is fast-casual, which is what people want these days. Tons of choices (same price, no matter how many you select), happy environment, fast. I welcome them to our side of the city!

sam-c January 12, 2018 (2:30 pm)

YES! :) MOD is the sort of place we can take our kids if they are ‘hangry.’ And if i seem to recall, there are plenty of commenter requests on WSB for kid-free locations. Obviously, places like Pizzaria 22 and Mioposto aren’t ‘no kids’ but, for us, it really has to be the right time of day, and our family has to be the right level of behaved and hungry to go to those places. You don’t want a ‘hangry’ kid waiting for a pizza at the next table (18″ away) when you are trying to enjoy your dinner at Pizzaria 22 ! :)

The pizza comes out super fast at MOD, everyone gets what they want, and it’s affordable.

Sorry, comment time is over.