BIZNOTE: Pizzeria Credo suddenly says goodbye

John September 30, 2023 (8:04 pm)

Not good news. They have wonderful pizza.

Laura September 30, 2023 (8:18 pm)

So sad to see them close. The pizza was fantastic! Best wishes to Jacques and also to his longtime pizza chef. We’ll check out the pastry place asap!

Paul September 30, 2023 (8:29 pm)

we will miss pizzeria credo!

Kadoo September 30, 2023 (8:36 pm)

Oh no! I love that place.

Sad pizza lover September 30, 2023 (8:40 pm)

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Credo fanatic September 30, 2023 (9:10 pm)

Best pizza ever. It’s extremely sad to see Jacques get pushed out like this. He is a genuinely good person who cares deeply about his food and community. The truth is that his rent was hiked up 63% by landlord, Leon Capelouto. Absolutely crazy that someone who already has more money than they would ever need could allow their greed to destroy a family business like this.

Roddy3 September 30, 2023 (10:03 pm)

Not surprised. Capelouto is doing a pretty good job of destroying the Junction.
- Niko September 30, 2023 (10:44 pm)
  
  Between the greed of the pursuit of property taxes and rent it seems like they want nothing left in the junction
  - Mr J September 30, 2023 (11:47 pm)
    
    I’m not 100% sure what you’re aiming at, but it’s not property taxes driving business away. Landlords are generally not great. Trying to pinch a small business for absurdly more rent is not property taxes. It’s greed and late stage capitalism will take out a ton of small businesses. But hey, the rich get richer.
    - David October 1, 2023 (10:09 am)
      
      I think you misunderstood about property taxes. The City will zone, rezone, and/or negotiate with owners and developers to jack up property income AND increase property tax revenue for the City. What makes more financial sense for developers and the City, a cute, affordable retail spot or sixteen condos with a not so cute, more expensive retail space below them? Rightly or wrongly, a neighborhood’s character is far down the list of priorities for both city and developers. If it’s true that Credo suddenly had its rent raised by 60+ percent, then it couldn’t be due to some monumental property tax increase. Every retailer in the junction, except for Starbucks, would probably have to go.
    - Anne October 1, 2023 (10:26 am)
      
      I think you’re flat out wrong- the increase in property taxes definitely factors in -are property owners just supposed to “ eat” the increases? Of course not-raising rent/lease prices to cover those taxes is pretty much their only recourse. Are you also saying that property owners should just “ break even”?? What is the point in owning property (which may be one’s only source of income) if you don’t expect to make some money??
    - don't start October 1, 2023 (1:46 pm)
      
      Don’t start advocating for property owners, especially tenured ones. These people are flush with cash. Making less money in May than you did in April isn’t bad if you’re making 10x what you made 4 years ago. That’s the Harrell/Saka agenda and it doesn’t fly with me.
    - Brandon October 2, 2023 (3:55 pm)
      
      I dunno. seems extremely anti-capitalist to eliminate your revenue stream (renter) by hiking it for more than they can afford. That is, unless you’re assured someone else will pay that same rent which implies it’s a market rate, and not the landlord pinching the renter for nothing but their greed. What business incentive is there to not receive ANY rental income at all? Doesn’t make any sense.
      
      If it were a landlord issue, the pizza shop could find a decent rent elsewhere, no? If no businesses are willing to rent the places, the landlords will lower the rates, right? They need a revenue stream to cover costs too ya know.
- BeachTeach October 1, 2023 (5:04 pm)
  
  I agree… the Capelouto company is really damaging the charm and character of the junction…. I make a point of not shopping in the businesses that replace much loved neighborhood spots due to developer greed. I know folks will say that just hurts the new businesses, but as a local consumer, it’s all I can do. Geezzz…. How much money does one guy need?!? And I haven’t seen that name attached to any noticeable charitable or arts organizations that enhance West Seattle.

jme September 30, 2023 (10:21 pm)

This is heartbreaking. What a beloved restaurant–it was a joy to eat there. My favorite pizza in any Seattle neighborhood.

Local September 30, 2023 (10:41 pm)

Try Peel and Press. I love it. Never got to try Credo.

Rb October 1, 2023 (3:01 am)

I wish they would reopen somewhere else in west Seattle but not in the Junction. Delridge? 35th?

Slice Box October 1, 2023 (5:05 am)

To help us small business owners with leases some sort of commercial rent control should be addressed. A cap on triple net would be nice. Programs to help established business owners purchase properties of their own with no money down. It is very important to have these unique non chain/franchise businesses on our communities. It seems after Covid and any help that was given by landlords is now trying to be recouped with new leases. Rule of thumb is that to have some sort of success in your business your rent should be no more than 10% of what you’re ringing up. I think the landlord was charging $45 a sq ft , the space is around 2226 sq ft so almost 9k plus you would pay the triple net on top of that – probably gonna be another 1-2k a month. So you gotta ring up 3-4k a day , 7 days a week to make it in the junction. Good luck to the next proprietor!

Flivver October 1, 2023 (6:51 am)

For those decrying landlords/building owners here’s your opportunity! Buy a building and charge below market rent and NEVER raise it. I’m betting you’ll never do it. Complaining is so much easier and cheaper. And, in case you’re wondering I’m an apartment renter-not an owner, on a pension.

Derek October 1, 2023 (5:40 pm)

Huh? Shouldn’t you be arguing that the landlords lower rents? Why are you defending the high rents and just wanting someone else to “try to make it work?” Landlords are forever “the problem”
Dan Keller October 1, 2023 (7:08 pm)

I live in a beautiful older 11 unit building on the corner of California and Hanford, and my landlord/owner has kept her rent for us way under market value. I moved in 13 years ago paying $600 a month to now at just $1025.00, for a great 1 bedroom with a view of the mountains and water. So yes, it can be done.

Jacob Nieman October 1, 2023 (7:33 am)

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO. Thank you, Jacques, for some incredibly great pizza. This is a true loss.

Jl October 1, 2023 (8:01 am)

Nice man. Nice family. Quality service and amazing ALLA SASA! Sad 😞

TJ October 1, 2023 (9:22 am)

This is just unfortunately supply and demand, not “late stage capitalism”, whatever that means. Maybe it’s the result of late stage densification as all the construction here in the last 15 years and added residents hasn’t added much to commercial real estate. Tearing down existing businesses and replacing them with 7 story mixed use with only ground level commercial isn’t really adding any new businesses. A news flash to those who desire still more density and a brutal New York City lifestyle: commercial real estate will only get more expensive. And while I feel a rent increases like this is ridiculous, rent control should never be considered. Telling someone what they can charge with their property if someone is willing to pay it is anti-capitalism.

FT October 1, 2023 (8:18 pm)

It may be anti-capitalism, but capitalism sucks. So that’s fine. It’s not like this country is purely capitalist anyway.
Justin October 2, 2023 (3:51 pm)

“brutal” capitalism for all but the most wealthy, government protection for the rich. We have never been a “capitalist” country with a free market. We have always been one with a framework to solely benefit the most wealthy at the expense of the poor. These land leeches are definitely a problem, and nobody cares about your golden god.

I.Ponder October 1, 2023 (9:54 am)

I was always surprised they didn’t participate in the farmer’s market. Seems it would have been a great way to promote the business. I would have eaten their pizza.

Danielle October 1, 2023 (10:32 am)

Jacques je suis desolee

raybro October 1, 2023 (10:34 am)

It’s time to think about what you are getting when you vote for every single property tax increase proposed by the city and/or county. David is 100% correct about the city, rezoning and property taxes. Seattle has a very poor record, and getting worse all the time, on delivering on promises given to justify another tax or increase in existing tax. Just look at the city parks for a prime example. They have more money than ever and they are in the worst shape I have ever seen them. If you care about the character of not only the Junction but Seattle as a whole, it is time to stop automatically voting for very new tax and tax increase until both the city and the county actually deliver on what they promise.

Justin October 2, 2023 (3:53 pm)

Property taxes did not go up hundreds of dollars per square foot lmao. Stuff this nonsense back where you pulled it from.

Lisa in Arbor Heights October 1, 2023 (11:28 am)

Jacques…thank you so much for your ( and your staff’s) amazing warmth and kindness over the years, not to mention the best Margherita pizza ever! Bernardo will also miss his chats with you upon pizza pick up. We’ll come see you at the bakery though!

Jan October 1, 2023 (12:09 pm)

very sad, our favorite pizza place and wonderful Jacques!

Brayton October 1, 2023 (12:33 pm)

This is one of the first restaurants we visited when we first moved to Seattle in ‘15. We met Jacques at that time and were wowed by his kindness and story. What an incredible man. While it’s unfortunate the pizza restaurant had to close, I’m glad he’s still in our neighborhood with Panterelli. Wishing Jacques and his family all the best!

Admyrl Byrd October 1, 2023 (5:02 pm)

I’m not sure how any of this is making for a better Junction. More small box apartments for people not to have places to eat, or – worse – to just pick up Chipotle and Starbucks? This city has taken a jewel in the form of the Junction and made it an outdoor strip mall – and a bad one at that.

Fernanda October 1, 2023 (5:54 pm)

The saddest thing ever 😭😭😭😭 BEST pizza I’ve ever had! Best ambiance! Best pizza chef 😭😭😭 I really hope they reopen somewhere else in west seattle!!!!! I need this pizza again 😭😭😭😭

Mitchell October 1, 2023 (5:55 pm)

Soooooooo sad!!! This is the best pizza we’ve ever had and the chefs are so nice. Heart broken ☹️

Alexis October 1, 2023 (7:05 pm)

I’m so sad! This was our favorite and had the BEST, quality, fresh gluten free pizza that I will truly miss. Best to Jacques and his family xo

Maren Costa October 1, 2023 (8:05 pm)

Heartbroken 💔 Credo felt like family. Can’t imagine the junction with out it. Jacques, keep the dreams alive ❤️

J October 1, 2023 (8:39 pm)

Sad to see any family business go, but I work in the Junction 4-5 days per week, eat lunch out every day, and have literally never seen the pizza place or the bakery open for business. Also, if landlords can’t make money, no one is going to build buildings, and we’d never get anything new. That would be boring. And everyone in this thread who says capitalism sucks – FYI, the owner of this pizza shop and bakery is also a capitalist.

Justin October 2, 2023 (3:54 pm)

will someone please think of the land lords and their every increasing piles of money?
Michael October 2, 2023 (7:49 pm)

I’ve eaten at Credo every week or two for the last three years. They’re not a lunch spot, though I think they recently experimented with it, but to claim “they’re never open” is hilarious.

Adam October 1, 2023 (9:57 pm)

Having lived in Europe for several years, this was the best Neapolitan pizza we’ve had the pleasure of trying in the US. What a loss, I’m devastated.

Margaret October 1, 2023 (10:15 pm)

I will miss you so much, love your pizza and service. Good luck with your future projects!!

bradley October 2, 2023 (10:07 am)

I suppose this means we will be welcoming another high rise in the Junction soon. Eventually, the entire Junction will be high rises if the City gets its way. Way more tax revenue as a result. Less pleasing impacts on many others. Then more apartments, and more Landlord bashing. Oh Yah!!

luvcredo October 2, 2023 (4:50 pm)

I had wondered if this was an economic eviction ahead of a building replacement.

sam-c October 2, 2023 (10:23 am)

Sorry to say goodbye to Pizzeria Credo. Thank you for all the wonderful dinners over the years!

Ferguson October 2, 2023 (4:02 pm)

Its shameful that a landlord would push out a business that isn’t only a favorite pizzeria for many of us local to West Seattle, but a restaurant that is held in such high reguard on Trip Adviser, Yelp, etc; helping to bring travelers/tourists accross the bridge and patroning this and other establishments in the Alaska Junction. Its my understanding that Leon owns a few different buldings in West Seattle, the Junction in particular, which leads me to the opinion that hiking the rent on a small business like Credo wasn’t a “do or die” choice. It would be my hope that someone that heavily invests in properties in West Seattle would see the benifits to the community to keep a small business that has a years long trend of bringing folks from outside our little penninsula here to engage in our local economy. My next concern: to what end? Another high rise appartment? Another restaurant that will struggle to keep up and peter out in a few years? God help me if another pizza joint moves in with worse quaility, charm, flavor, and history just because they’re willing to pay the bill.Over the years Jacques has been a friend in times of need. This establishment has been the warm, charming backdrop to many on my favorite memories in this city. My heart goes out to Jacques and the staff that have poured their hearts and souls into crafting many such memories for us regulars. To those who labeled Jacques as a capitalist, have one conversation with the man and you will find it clear and evident that he is first and foremost an artist. He cares far more about sharing his love for food to the community than making a buck.

Keenan October 2, 2023 (4:13 pm)

I’m surprised there hasn’t more attrition in the Junction Pizza Wars. Just in a two block radius, we still have Pagliacci, Supreme, Talarico’s and Moto. But not a single good Chinese take out place.

CARGUY October 2, 2023 (4:29 pm)

Orient Express in SODO is pretty good for “American” Chinese food. I wish there was something closer that’s better, but that’s all i’ve found.
- Jane October 7, 2023 (12:04 pm)
  
  We love Eat Time in Burien! Hong Kong style Chinese. It’s really good.

Terese October 2, 2023 (4:27 pm)

Jacques, thank you for the unique and beloved experience you have shared with West Seattle through Pizzeria Credo. From exquisite offerings like pizza, sous vides and lemon sorbets, to the space exuding ambiance, style and comfort, and especially your gift of welcoming, engaging with and building long-time friendships among your patrons, this gem of an Alaska Junction cafe will be deeply missed. In fond memories, and to wishes for a thriving Panterelli Patisserie!

CredoFan October 2, 2023 (11:10 pm)

Jacques is a legend. Thank you, Jacques. Thank you for sharing your culinary gift with the West Seattle community for so many years. Thank you for putting so much passion into your craft. Thank you for ensuring that every single customer was treated with kindness. Thank you for the AMAZING chicken sous vides. Even after it was no longer on the menu, you’d still make it if a customer requested it. Jacques is such a cool, kind, and talented person. Very sad to be losing this real deal gem of a foodie spot. Thank you for everything though.

Cobob October 3, 2023 (3:27 pm)

Leon has done more to hurt the junction than he has helped it. His greed and arrogance has cost us Kamai, Lee’s and now, Credo. All for greed. Shame on you, Leon.

Brad Hardy October 9, 2023 (4:04 pm)

Not sure I understand the details but it is certainly sad to see such a wonderful community establishment and business owner like Jacques close. The food is wonderful and the owner an employees were even better. Sad day.