BIZNOTE: Return of the Benbow

As they say, what was old is new again. Above is a photo we took this morning of the nautically themed Benbow Room, in the back of the west side of the building at 4210 SW Admiral Way, once upon a time the legendary Admiral Benbow Inn, more recently the Heartland Café, then the Admiral Benbow again, followed by Vidiot (which closed in late 2019). Now, it appears the Benbow name will be back. We went to the building to research a new plan for the ex-Parliament Tavern next door (more on that to come) and discovered something else – we found West Seattle restaurant/bar entrepreneur Mark Fuller, who told us he’s taking over the Benbow space and bringing it back under that name. It needs lots of work, he told us, so this will likely take months – not just the work, but getting the permits. Fuller’s other enterprises include Ma’ono, Supreme, and (reopening soon) New Luck Toy.

19 Replies to "BIZNOTE: Return of the Benbow"

  • helpermonkey July 30, 2021 (12:56 pm)

    GLORIOUS NEWS!!!! 

  • John July 30, 2021 (1:06 pm)

    This is wonderful news! I can’t think of better hands for this funky space to be in.

  • Auntie July 30, 2021 (1:45 pm)

    I’ve always been a bit disappointed in the reincarnation of the New Luck Toy, so hoping this is going to be something more than a hipster bar.

  • miws July 30, 2021 (2:10 pm)

    *Little kid me standing at doorway separating restaurant and lounge*: “Can you play the storm, please…?” —Mike

  • Josh B. July 30, 2021 (3:14 pm)

    Yes! I wholeheartedly agree! I’ve been monitoring WSB for news on New Luck Toy for what feels like forever now, and this is just extra icing on the cake! Really love everything Mark Fuller’s done, back to the original Spring Hill (which I still miss)…

  • Keith July 30, 2021 (3:17 pm)

    Now that is some seriously exciting news!

  • Arbor Heights Mom July 30, 2021 (3:20 pm)

    Agree, this is the best news in the LONGEST time. Love that space. 

  • Rick July 30, 2021 (7:02 pm)

    Oooh, the memories! Or not…

  • JW July 30, 2021 (9:08 pm)

      I hope they intended to serve the old favorites from  the  Benbow  and not just use the name of a beloved restaurant  .

  • ttt July 31, 2021 (7:32 am)

    This is great! Every restaurant he owns is SO good!

  • Al July 31, 2021 (8:13 am)

    This is fantastic news. If anyone can finally make this spot work again it’s him and it’s great to hear he’s honoring it’s history by using the Benbow name. 

  • Tony July 31, 2021 (8:24 am)

    It would be nice to have the Parliament back too. Maybe Mark Fuller can partner with Tom and start a Benbow Parliament!😁🕺💃🎸

    • WSB July 31, 2021 (9:11 am)

      Someone else is seeking permits to operate that space; that’s why we were in the area.

      • Tony July 31, 2021 (12:25 pm)

        Do you know what the Parliament space will become?

        • WSB July 31, 2021 (1:14 pm)

          Literally moments ago we got a response to our inquiry with the liquor-license applicant. Watch for that story in about 15 minutes!

  • MrsT July 31, 2021 (9:24 am)

    Please though, for the love of Pete, put things on your menu that aren’t based on milk products. It would be amazing to be able to eat in one of your restaurants again!

  • Diane July 31, 2021 (9:29 am)

    This makes me so happy!

  • London August 2, 2021 (9:49 am)

    Ahh! YAY!! I hope he turns it into a nautical tiki bar! 

  • Jay August 14, 2021 (1:43 pm)

    I’m happy to have been a part of the history and restored the pirate ship back to its glory. Good luck setting it a sail once again. I will belly up to the bar once its launched. Ahoy!

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