BIZNOTE FOLLOWUP: New concept for old Morning Star Market site in Highland Park – Backyard West

Thanks for the tip! A reader told us about the message on the sign at the former Morning Star Market at 9th SW and SW Henderson. It’s been almost four years since we reported the mini-mart beloved for its barbecue was closing after the sale of the property. Now there are signs — and a literal one in the form of a marquee—announcing what might come next – coffee shop, perhaps.

We reached the owner, Ben Greene of Greene Information Systems, this week. He told us he initially intended to use property for office space – as we reported in early 2022 – but he ultimately opted against that. Greene has an IT and data-migration business with a location in the Alaska Junction. Because the Morning Star property had been used as a restaurant and convenience store, he circled back to that, but didn’t want to run those businesses himself. Now he’s looking for one or more businesses that would be interested in leasing space, or who might need a business partner. This could be a coffee shop, a restaurant, food trucks, or something else entirely.

Greene says he’s had a handful of calls so far with interest, and he looks forward to talking to more people about their ideas for the space, which he is calling “Backyard West” as a concept name. He calls the location an “underutilized space at a good intersection.” The marquee, as shown in our photo, has Greene’s contact information.

8 Replies to "BIZNOTE FOLLOWUP: New concept for old Morning Star Market site in Highland Park - Backyard West"

  • HP Resident July 4, 2025 (9:39 am)

    Exciting news! We’ve been waiting/hoping for something to open here since Morningstar closed. This location has potential as another neighborhood hub, hopefully complementary to HPCS, a fabulous addition. Maybe a family-friendly beer/wine operation with rotating food trucks. Something like Chuck’s or Ounces would get all the neighborhood families out! The corner store already does great coffee down the street. 

  • Happy4th July 4, 2025 (10:10 am)

    What should it be guys?

  • Christine July 4, 2025 (1:36 pm)

    We live next door and would love some type of food/beverage place.  Someplace to walk over and order something to drink.  A coffee place would be just ok, but I would hope they offered more.  Sandwiches? Ice cream?  Snacks? Something with rotating special to make you want to come back each month and try something new.  It needs to be able to travel as lots of people like to walk by grab something and keep walking.  Most of all I hate seeing it sit empty. 

  • KB1000 July 4, 2025 (2:54 pm)

    I’d love a place to get out of the house and plop down with a coffee, pasty and do a little reading or work! Or, god forbid, talk to people! :) 

  • M July 5, 2025 (7:44 am)

    It would be cool if it was also part art gallery. We have a lot of local artists who have a lot of art that could be displayed. It could be modeled after KEXP’s Gathering Space, a place to hang out in the neighborhood. They could offer a selection beer and wine, coffee (bonus points if it serves coffee after 6:00 PM!) rotating food trucks and an art gallery all in one. Neighbors hanging out and immersed in art with monthly receptions would be really awesome! 

  • MangoMom July 5, 2025 (9:06 am)

    This would be sweet! We have been wanting to have something there. That corner has so much potential. I think a coffee shop with natural wine and light bites would be awesome. We would go there ALL THE TIME. 

  • Susan Kliewer July 5, 2025 (10:36 am)

    This sounds amazing. I will support the businesses 

  • DAK July 5, 2025 (2:01 pm)

    We need a good wood-fired pizza and simple Italian joint to walk to in our neighborhood! I think it would do well, and would be a complement rather than competitor to our beloved HPCS!

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