BIZNOTES: Tony’s Market closing, Raccolto reopens, Bonjour Vietnam semi-opens

Three biznotes this afternoon:

TONY’S MARKET CLOSING: Thanks to the readers who pointed out that sign at 35th/Barton on Wednesday. After a couple trips, we caught up today with Tony’s Market proprietor Raz Vorng. He and wife Sandy Saeteurn took over the produce stand last spring from longtime owner Joey Genzale. Raz says the produce business will close sometime in the next few weeks, no set date yet. But they hold the lease for the site for a few years so he’s exploring other possibilities. In the short run, he says, it’ll host at least two food trucks – a taco truck is there now and a “Cuban sandwich” truck is on the way.

RACCOLTO REOPENS: After a monthlong closure for plumbing repairs, the pasta-focused restaurant at 4147 California SW on the north edge of The Junction reopened earlier this week.

BONJOUR VIETNAM SEMI-REOPENS: Readers have been asking what’s going on with the restaurant opened by Jade Nguyen two years ago at 4509 California SW, where her parents operated Be’s Restaurant for ~35 years. Jade explains via email that the summer began with some equipment trouble, and she took the occasion to embark on some remodeling, then to “change the concept a bit.” Bonjour Vietnam is currently “open on Fridays and Saturdays for Karaoke 9-1:30 am. Our host from Yen Wor, Loretta Jones, is hosting. I am hoping to open fully with bistro bites and 21+, French fare,” but no set date yet. (Her speakeasy bar The Alley, behind BV, remains fully open.)

hungrymillennial August 29, 2024 (4:32 pm)

Always thought the Tony’s Market lot would be perfect as a food truck pod. Would have been ideal to anchor it with Tony’s fresh produce, but Portland has soooo many of these pods nestled in the city neighborhoods and they’re incredible! Throw down (anchor down) some picnic tables, add a shade element, and let’s go!

Kat Shimon August 29, 2024 (5:51 pm)

Ditto! Great idea. 👍
Kt August 29, 2024 (6:15 pm)

Agreed. And Cuban sandwich truck!!!
LC August 29, 2024 (7:22 pm)

Yes! I love the idea of a food truck lot. When we were in Maui last year, we made a point to go to the food truck lots in Kihei because my son has a dairy allergy and they actually had a vegan truck there that he could eat at. It was located adjacent to South Maui Gardens (plant nursery) and the whole vibe was amazing. That said, Tony’s market location would be pretty small for something like that but still such a fantastic idea and definitely brings a community feeling to the space.
- Out of curiosity August 30, 2024 (4:52 pm)
  
  Man we had the same experience in Maui but in Kanapali. A gravel parking lot filled with food trucks and picnic tables. Hawaii definitely has that mellow community hanging out even with tourist that was amazing. Had great conversations with locals and fellow vacationers. All around good vibes. maybe they could have a rotation of three or four food trucks for a week with the covered part for tables and maybe even low key live music. Just a thought but I like it.
ACG August 29, 2024 (10:51 pm)

There’s a huge shade element there already! (The canopy covering the market.) Will the Christmas trees be there in the winter?
- WSB August 29, 2024 (11:40 pm)
  
  That’s not settled yet. Only thing for sure is that the produce market will be closing.
- Jenn August 30, 2024 (4:05 am)
  
  West Seattle Nursery has great Christmas trees from local farms! Selling trees for decades with great prices, selection, and free delivery in WS.

Kt August 29, 2024 (6:16 pm)

Duane’s Produce Stand on S 116th near highway 509 is an excellent place for farm fresh produce.

Alki resident August 29, 2024 (6:36 pm)

I’ve been going to Duane’s in Boulevard Park forever. They always have beautiful produce and great employees.

Patrick August 29, 2024 (7:00 pm)

Hard to believe that Tony’s is going out of business after only 5 months from taking over the business but I wish them well in their next chapter.

waikikigirl August 29, 2024 (7:11 pm)

We’re sorry that this didn’t work out for the new owners. If you are thinking of turning it in to a food truck pod I think you could make a pretty good biz at it, so many people are to busy to cook and or don’t know how to! Good luck to whatever the future brings you!Hint, hint… I’d like a yummy Asian food truck, Poke’…!

Rick August 30, 2024 (9:39 am)

You’re supposed to actually cook food? Dang. ‘Splains a few things.
- waikikigirl August 30, 2024 (5:14 pm)
  
  LOL! Yes that is what that big box looking thing with 4 circles on top is in your kitchen, to cook food on. 😉 and actually we cook 95% of all our meals by “scratch” but a bowl full of rice and poke’ would be yummy!

heyalki August 29, 2024 (9:11 pm)

Ok wow everyone seems like they’ve planned the funeral already and then it’s on to the next thing right away. For what it’s worth I loved Tony’s and am very sad to see them go. We had a family tradition of getting our tree there and frequented the market. I will miss this place and the people there so much!

Beepee August 29, 2024 (9:15 pm)

Having lived close my entire life, anything is more welcome than more hi rise apartments. I spoke with the owner of Tony’s a bit ago, and his ideas sounded very community focused, he explained that super deli mart across the street was a “cool spot” bringing in good people, and that he would like to strive for something similar in a way.

Foop August 30, 2024 (8:07 am)

Yeah it would really be a shame if other people were able to live over here.

Sammy August 29, 2024 (11:04 pm)

Sorry for Tony’s but yes to a food truck pod, that would be amazing. Would love more variety besides tacos too. We seem to have lost the Thai U Up truck at the Roxbury 76- a Thai truck would be so great.

anonyme August 30, 2024 (6:49 am)

Yes to the pod! Boomers love food trucks, too.

WSLite206 September 9, 2024 (12:58 pm)

Duane’s Garden Patch in Boulevard park. Fun Fact Duane is actually Tony’s 1st cousin. They worked together for a long long time before Tony’s passing.

Sorry, comment time is over.