BIZNOTES: Opening/moving updates for Wendy’s, Panda Express, Spirit Halloween, The Missing Piece

Quick updates:

WENDY’S WHITE CENTER: We just went over to 10050 16th SW to see if they indeed made their “target date” of today. A worker outside told us no, they’re not open yet, but aiming for “tomorrow after lunch.” We’re awaiting an official reply from the franchisee. (Signage wasn’t up yet either.)

PANDA EXPRESS COUNTDOWN, SORT OF: When last we heard from Panda Express about the Westwood Village location, they were hoping for “the week of September 8.” Then a sign went up three days ago (as noted by a commenter) declaring “coming soon – 4 days.” The sign then switched to “3 days.” But we just checked on our way back from White Center, and it’s been stuck on “3 days” for two days now.

ELSEWHERE IN WESTWOOD VILLAGE: The fourth year of Spirit Halloween temporarily taking over the ex-Bed Bath and Beyond has begun – they’re now open.

LAST DAY BEFORE MOVE: And a reminder, also in the south end: Today is the last day for The Missing Piece Café and Game Lounge at its original 35th/Roxbury location. As first noted here in May, they’re moving to the ex-Pharmaca space in The Junction, 4707 California SW, next to Emerald Water Anglers and KeyBank. The Missing Piece hopes to be open there “the second week of September” if all goes well. (No word yet about a 35th/Roxbury successor.)

West September 1, 2025 (12:16 pm)

! Coming soon 3 days, doesn’t have a date so in reality maybe we will see the same sign up next week or a couple more weeks!

Del September 1, 2025 (1:41 pm)

I wish we had more local mom and pop authentic restaurants rather than commercialized Americanized chain restaurants.

anonyme September 1, 2025 (3:12 pm)

Yeah, I really miss Lee’s, Kamei, and others. As for the Spirit of Halloween, I’m horrified that there is now an entire store dedicated to introducing bird-killing toxic plastic crap into the environment. How ironic that Americans are literally turning into plastic.
- Derp September 1, 2025 (6:59 pm)
  
  Lol, this is their 4th year
- Pearll September 2, 2025 (9:21 am)
  
  Kamei re-opened in Tacoma on Pacific Ave S! Same family and same delicious food. Always worth the drive out there.
Pamela September 1, 2025 (4:00 pm)

The small mom and pops would love to be able to survive in Seattle.
Lauren September 1, 2025 (6:51 pm)

Our favorite mom and pops: Grillbird. Dalat Quan (white center). Gyros Heroes. Can Bar. Krungthep Thai (Burien). Wildwood Cafe. BopBox (Georgetown). Just to name a few! Would learn to know others’ faves.
- k September 2, 2025 (7:11 am)
  
  Young’s on 16th near Roxbury has amazing Thai, American, and Chinese food.
datamuse September 1, 2025 (10:11 pm)

Pop across the river to Lucky. Family owned, good food, they’re super nice folks.

Hungry September 1, 2025 (3:02 pm)

Any news on Do Si KBBQ at Alki??

WSB September 1, 2025 (5:52 pm)

That’s right atop my continue-checking list. Nothing new yet. Haven’t been by the location in a couple days though, so if THEY have a “coming soon x days” sign up too, I haven’t yet seen it! (Website just says “coming soon,” no countdown.) – TR

Derek September 1, 2025 (3:09 pm)

Death, taxes, and Spirit of Halloween taking over dead stores.

Ada September 1, 2025 (3:44 pm)

The Panda countdown sign was changed to 2 days when I was at Westwood Village today around 2pm

WSB September 1, 2025 (5:31 pm)

Well, that’s a hint. I took this picture less than half an hour before publishing this morning so maybe I just missed the sign crew!

Melinda September 1, 2025 (6:47 pm)

Great news to have Missing Piece in the junction

ACG September 1, 2025 (8:48 pm)

Very sad to lose Missing Piece from Arbor Heights. It is a fun store and it was a wonderful family friendly place that we could walk to. There isn’t much here in the south end/Arbor Heights for families to walk to and have fun now that they are gone. Best wishes to the folks at Missing Piece. You will be missed.
Board Gamer September 2, 2025 (10:54 am)

The downside is that now people will have to pay through the nose for already limited parking, and Meeples is already close enough.

Sad to see Missing Piece leave from a location that truly benefited a neighborhood.
- WS Gamer September 3, 2025 (8:05 pm)
  
  Living around the Junction and having frequented both Meeples and Missing Piece, I agree it is a bummer for Missing Piece to leave from that location particularly as Meeples is already very close. Seemed like a great business for that area. Similar feelings as when Paper Boat moved north when we have Pegasus Books (but again- happy to have them and have frequented them often!). I would not call parking around the Junction “through the nose” rates. The lots are probably the lowest rates for parking in the city- $2 for 2 hours. I’ve paid $5+ for just 1 hour easily in other parts of the city. It’s part of city life. When I want to avoid it, I take public transportation or park farther and walk. The parking lots used to be “free” only because local merchants shouldered the costs. $2 minimum is a small price for us to pay to enjoy our businesses- and it’s still more easy to avoid lots in West Seattle compared to other parts of the city. I am looking forward to Missing Piece being in the Junction and hope they find success. Introvert me is excited to have them close by for when the weather starts to cool, along with Fourth Emerald Games, Pegasus Books, and Paper Boat.

Kendal September 1, 2025 (6:50 pm)

Passed this morning and they had staffs in there probably a staff opening I’m not sure and they changed the sign to 2 days

N September 1, 2025 (11:15 pm)

Glad to see the Pharmaca space filled, but it’s definitely sad for Arbor Heights! Any idea what will go into the former MP spot?

Rob September 2, 2025 (9:08 am)

The old bed bath would be a great winter indoor farmer’s/flee market on the weekends.

KB September 2, 2025 (1:01 pm)

WS Chamber has a 9/4 Panda Express Ribbon Cutting listed on their Upcoming Events in an email sent out today.

WSB September 2, 2025 (1:57 pm)

Thanks. That may not be the first day (for example, Wendy’s is supposed to have a ribboncutting at some point soon, though they opened today), but it would mean they’re opening no later than Thursday! We’re off meantime to see what the sign says today …
- WSB September 2, 2025 (3:14 pm)
  
  Confusingly, the sign now says “1 days” (sic) and the Chamber has sent us word of the Thursday ribboncutting too. I have sent another note to company PR to ask if opening day is Wed. or Thurs.!

WTF September 2, 2025 (6:09 pm)

Do not bitch and complain about that which your voting caused. Ask where your money is going and why IT’S DONE NOTHING.Seattle and King County will see tax increases, including a new King County sales tax to be implemented in January 2026, a Seattle excise tax on certain employee compensationexceeding $1 million for affordable housing, and a higher Washington State capital gains tax affecting some individuals with gains over $1 million. King County Sales Tax

What it is: A new sales tax of an additional 10 cents on every $100 spent.
When it starts: Collections begin in January 2026, and the tax takes effect in October 2025.
Why: To prevent cuts to public safety and essential services.

Seattle Employee Compensation Tax

What it is: A 5% excise tax on annual compensation exceeding $1 million paid to Seattle-based employees.
When it starts: January 1, 2025.
Why: To fund the development and maintenance of affordable housing.

Washington State Capital Gains Tax

What it is: A new, graduated capital gains tax.
Rates: The rate is 7% on capital gains up to $1 million, with an additional 2.9% tax on amounts over $1 million.
Why: Part of the state budget, it impacts individuals with high-value capital gains.

How These Affect You

Businesses and Employees: Some businesses and individuals with high annual payrolls or significant capital gains will see their tax burdens increase.
Consumers: Everyone in King County will pay a higher sales tax starting in late 2025 and early 2026.
Property Owners: Property tax rates in Seattle are also affected by various levies, such as the transportation levy, which can increase your overall property tax costs.

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