BIZNOTES: Drugstore dates (updated); ex-KFC = Wendy’s

Two bits of chain news, thanks to reader tips:

DRUGSTORE DATE: While readers have reported local Rite Aid staff telling them about CVS takeover plans, the companies have refused to comment on plans for specific stores. There’s now a visible sign of change, though – the one above is up in the Rite Aid at 5217 California SW, saying its date for changing to CVS will be August 5.

ADDED 10:42 PM: Thanks to Shell for sending this sign photo from the Admiral Bartell:

EX-KFC TO BECOME WENDY’S: The ex-KFC/A&W at 10050 16th SW in White Center has had work under way for a while now, but no indication in online files or on site what it’s becoming.

Commenters now say Wendy’s, and we’ve found evidence of that – job listings. We’ll check with the company tomorrow.

K June 17, 2025 (10:21 pm)

Barf and barf. Super disappointing additions to the neighborhood.

Anne June 17, 2025 (11:02 pm)

Reply

What would you like to replace Rite Aid?
- Alki resident June 18, 2025 (8:31 am)
  
  Reply
  
  Wendy’s is replacing KFC not RiteAid
Alki resident June 18, 2025 (8:33 am)

Reply

There once was a Wendy’s on 112th in the 90’s.
- Ken June 18, 2025 (9:44 am)
  
  Reply
  
  @ Alki Resident – And didn’t Wendy’s become Ezell’s for a time before being replaced with an apartment building?
  - WSB June 18, 2025 (10:13 am)
    
    Reply
    
    That location also was a Peruvian restaurant – I believe after Wendy’s and Ezell’s – before the residential project.
  - Alki resident June 18, 2025 (2:48 pm)
    
    Reply
    
    Gosh I barely remember Ezell’s being there. It must’ve lasted five minutes because before you know it those apartments were built. I do like Ezell’s though but make my own chicken at home without MSG.

Michelle C June 17, 2025 (10:33 pm)

I forgot to take a photo, but the Jefferson Square Bartell Drugs had a similar sign today. I think the date was 8/29 though.

WSB June 17, 2025 (10:41 pm)

Reply

I just got a reader text with a photo from the Admiral Bartell. Adding.

Kristina June 18, 2025 (4:40 am)

I am relieved to see progress with the drugstores. They are currently empty shells of their former selves- it’s impossible to shop where shelves are empty. I will miss Bartell’s but I am glad to have functional drugstores returning.

Oppa June 18, 2025 (7:29 am)

I encourage everyone to learn about the farmworker led boycott of Wendy’s, which has refused to sign up for the Fair Food Program. All the other major fast food chains participate, including McDonald’s, KFC, Taco Bell, Subway, etc.Read more: http://www.boycott-wendys.org/why-boycott-wendys

Mr Goodburger June 18, 2025 (11:12 pm)

Reply

A more fair-minded post would have also included Wendy’s stated reasons for not participating in the so-called “Fair Food” program. https://www.wendys.com/blog/when-the-easy-answer-isnt-the-right-one

98126res June 18, 2025 (10:18 am)

Awesome. There will be good businesses in those locations, and a Wendy’s location nearby. Love Wendy’s.

FastfoodJunkie June 18, 2025 (11:00 am)

I’m excited to have a Wendy’s nearby. I’d frequent them much more often but there hasn’t been a convenient close location until now. Hopefully they get a good crew working there. I think they’ll do very well if they can consistently provide a good experience. And increased fast food competition in the area is always a good thing for consumers as it provides price pressure on other surrounding restaurants.

Donna June 18, 2025 (11:20 am)

Hopefully they will have employees that are more friendly and less extremely rude at Wendy’s than they have had at KFC, because at times throughout the many long years the KFC at White Center seemed to employ people who had zero skills whatsoever when it came to customer service, but some employees did a great job and probably had issues dealing and working with such rude people. Taco Time across the street has always had excellent employees and customers service and I don’t understand why the KFC had such of a difficult time hiring people that were pleasant. Of course at times KFC had pleasant employees.

Kyle B June 18, 2025 (11:16 pm)

Reply

Agreed. That KFC’s employees regularly exhibited some of the worst attitudes I have ever experienced in customer service. Most other similar businesses in the area do pretty well in this regard, so I can only conclude that whoever was doing the hiring for that particular KFC was utterly unsuited for their job, or was actively trying to sabotage the location for some reason.

Chuck Jacobs June 18, 2025 (12:10 pm)

I’d rather have Herfy’s back.

Mr Goodburger June 18, 2025 (2:55 pm)

Very excited to have a Wendy’s location nearby. They’re the best of the fast food burger options in my opinion. I’ve made the drive to one of the others in the region every once in a while but now that there will be one in the ‘hood I’ll be enjoying their excellent burgers a lot more often. Welcome Wendy’s!