New owner’s plan for ex-market in Highland Park

Thanks for the tip! The former market at 7789 Highland Park Way has a new owner. And if you’re guessing the site is headed for redevelopment, given that so much of it is happening nearby – wrong. The new owner is local entrepreneur/preservationist John Bennett, who owns Luna Park Café as well as other properties in West Seattle, Georgetown, and South Park. We contacted Bennett after the tip that he’s the new owner, to ask about his plan. His reply:

I have had my eye on this property for awhile. It came on the market and I was able to purchase it. The Highland Park area is changing and growing, and it seemed like a perfect spot for a neighborhood coffee shop, deli, or cafe. It has parking and great outdoor seating area under a giant maple tree. We have been working on the building and hauling away truckloads of garbage. I will be looking for someone to lease it and start a business. As I have done in West Seattle and Georgetown, I will be searching for a business that will make the neighborhood a better place. Anyone interested can contact johnbennettproperties.com or call the office at 206-933-1950.

The market there closed almost two years ago. Last year – before the site went back on the market – there was a plan for Crowfoot Café to take over the space. That stalled, and we were never able to find out why.

J October 1, 2020 (3:36 pm)

Yay! I’m just 2 blocks away and miss coming here for snacks, sandwiches, beer and to say hi to neighbors. I’m excited to see what happens. The owner is correct, this neighborhood needs a few more gathering places.

Charlie October 1, 2020 (3:47 pm)

I’m glad John purchased this property! I knew he was the right kind of investor for it. I had talked to him about it a few years back when I was Chair of HPAC and it seems he had decided to wind down his acquisitions at that time. Glad he changed his mind!

Beepee October 1, 2020 (3:59 pm)

I know west seattle already has plenty of burger joints, but I feel a burger joint would do well here

M October 1, 2020 (4:40 pm)

Burger Boss, Zippy’s, Lil Woody’s. I could use something different!

CHARLES RAMSEYER October 1, 2020 (4:11 pm)

I am a Exec.Chef live 3 blocks away and always thought a gathering place is missing. What happen to the Pizza restaurant idea a year ago we were told ?I be interested to set up a coffee lunch late afternoon store like a combination of Mercantile store food to go ready to heat and serve some specialty products in the store open till 6 for people to pick up there food on the way home and have breakfast sandwiches and coffee in the morning .

M October 1, 2020 (7:25 pm)

I would love someplace with good coffee and some kind of non-fast food type of food. Even good sandwiches would be amazing. We have tons of pizza, burgers, fried food. Bonus if it serves breakfast sandwiches!
momof3boys October 2, 2020 (9:20 am)

Yes!! Something like Cone & Steiner – neighborhood grocery, wine & beer, sandwiches (including breakfast sandwiches!) both “to go”, and sit at the counter-type food! https://www.coneandsteiner.com/

Mj October 1, 2020 (4:25 pm)

Many many moons and owners ago the deli made some really good sandwiches and french dips

Beepee October 1, 2020 (5:28 pm)

Weren’t they most well known for their racks of ribs ?
- datamuse October 1, 2020 (7:37 pm)
  
  I think you might be thinking of the BBQ place that was inside the mini-mart at 9th and Henderson. I miss that place.

Kyle October 1, 2020 (6:09 pm)

This is great news! Excited to see what they come up with.

Brenda October 1, 2020 (8:14 pm)

Just a thought for the future business owner…. the traffic patterns in WS have changed drastically without the bridge and Highland Park Way is part of the detour route for many. When the bridge was open we had many options for “takeout” or eating between WS and our home in High Point. All of 35th Ave, the Junction, Fauntleroy, and Morgan Junction were “on the way.” Without the bridge we have struggled to get “take-out” on the way home. Coming from the bridge detour along Michigan Ave to Highland Park Way to Holden to Orchard to Sylvan there are very few restaurants. Once you truly get into WS the only place before we arrive at our house is the Teriyaki/Burger place on Holden. We’d love to have another option to pick up dinner on the way home!

afrikando October 1, 2020 (8:42 pm)

So happy to know that there are plans for this place! I have a moment of a sadness every day when I drive by. I remember the solid sandwiches from years ago and think a deli/mercantile would be amazing. Especially if we could enjoy a beer or can of wine with our turkey club!

Sunflower October 1, 2020 (8:44 pm)

How about a quaint, sleepy, breakfast diner? Something kind of like Both Ways Cafe in Columbia City.

Craig October 1, 2020 (8:53 pm)

Ethiopian, eggplant/chicken parm subs/Italian deli, Paseo or something similar, breakfast, ? … Welcome!

KD October 1, 2020 (10:25 pm)

How about Tat’s Deli?!!!!! Mmmmmmmm!! 👍🏼

Mj October 1, 2020 (10:35 pm)

As someone who literally lived a stone’s throw from the site, it was nice having a store with some basic food staples to avoid the need to drive to Westwood Village when you ran out of something.

Steph M October 2, 2020 (10:01 pm)

Amen! I was in that market almost everyday. When they started making breakfast sandwiches, etc. It was my go to place as I live on Kenyon. Excited to see what will open up in that space!

yesisaidthat October 2, 2020 (3:12 pm)

This is exciting news for the neighborhood! I would love to have a place to walk to for food/drink. This is sorely needed in this area. When considering the business to occupy this space, please remember those who eat plant-based diets–not everyone drinks booze and eats meat. Thank you :)

LS October 3, 2020 (5:37 pm)

I’d love to see a quality deli for takeout along with counter seating for serving beer/wine and small portions of rotating hot food specials, as a community gathering spot.

Peter Tannenbaum October 4, 2020 (7:28 am)

Local good morning Resteraunt needed for, breakfast, burnch, lunch, tea, coffee, toast, pastries. Afternoon open Cafe for, Tacos on Tuesday, pizza on Thursday, and afternoon store for soda and water and ice cream. Closed at dusk.

Sorry, comment time is over.