West Seattle restaurants 1547 results

BIZNOTE: Double birthday deal at Aimee Owenz

(October photo courtesy Aimee Owenz)

Last month, we reported on the opening of the Aimee Owenz food truck at 35th/Barton. Today the sibling operators are offering a deal in honor of their shared birthdays:

We (my brother and I) at Aimee Owenz happen to share a birthday November 6th (not twins) and are offering a special to celebrate our birthday with everyone! We are selling the Owenz Sandwich (steak) for $11 and the Aimee Sandwich (tofu) for $6. We also added a website for online ordering aimeeowenz.com and Door Dash should starting this week. I know the election stuff has got everyone feeling all types of ways, but hopefully we can bring smiles and full happy bellies with our sandwiches!

Birthday siblings Jenn and Zach operate one of two food trucks in the lot outside the former Tony’s Market,

BIZNOTE FOLLOWUP: JaK’s Grill reveals moving timeline

Thanks for the tips on an update from the parent company of JaK’s Grill about their impending move:

We first wrote almost two months ago about a new tenant for the ex-Lodge space at 4209 SW Alaska; commenters said JaK’s Grill planned to move there from its original nearby location, and we soon discovered a permit filing confirming that. Now the parent company 509 Hospitality has revealed more in a newsletter update:

After nearly 25 years, JaK’s Grill West Seattle is moving across Alaska Street to the former Lodge space! This new location gives us the chance to bring you an even better dining experience in a bright, modern setting—while still staying in the neighborhood we love. Although we initially planned to renovate our current space, this opportunity felt like the perfect fit.

We’ll keep things running through the transition, with a short closure in late March 2025 before reopening in early April. Come by our original spot before the move, and join us in April for the same great food and drinks in a refreshing environment.

The Lodge closed at the end of last year.

BIZNOTE FOLLOWUP: Ephesus Restaurant close to reopening

(WSB photo from February)

Back in February, we reported on Ephesus Restaurant‘s original owner planning to reopen, after Ephesus closed under different ownership the year before, and readers have been asking frequently for updates. We finally have one. A liquor-license application appeared online today. We reached proprietor Hasan Ocak by phone. (He founded Ephesus as a Turkish restaurant in 1995.) He says he has remodeled and overhauled the restaurant at 5245 California SW (just south of Rite Aid) and now is waiting for his chef to arrive, and for the assembly of a kitchen staff. His timeline for opening will be determined by how all that goes – could be a week, could be a month, he told us. The staff availability also will determine what hours/days they’re open – probably 4-10 pm, he said, whichever days it turns out to be. Will the menu be the same as the old days? “Different,” he told us – how different depends on when he and the chef get together and compare ideas.

BIZNOTE FOLLOWUP: Luna Park Café finds its second owner, after 35 years

(File photo)

Three months ago, we told you that Luna Park Café proprietor John Bennett had, after 35 years, decided to find a new owner for his restaurant. Now the search is over. We discovered this via a routine check of liquor-license applications – one way to learn about new establishments or new owners for existing ones – and followed up with Bennett, who confirmed the sale:

I did sell Luna Park Cafe after over 35 years of ownership. I started building out the restaurant in 1988 in what was Pat and Ron’s tavern. I opened the day after St Patrick’s Day 1989. I carefully vetted all the people who made offers. I feel I picked the right person to take over for the next 35 years. I physically worked at the restaurant for 4 months before I sold it. It was great to talk to all the longtime customers and work with an amazing staff. It was bittersweet to sell, but I need to move on toward retirement.

The new owner is Heong Soon Park, already an accomplished restaurateur – his restaurants include Bacco Café at Pike Place Market, Chan Seattle in the Paramount Hotel, and Cheese Room Seattle on Capitol Hill (which took over the longtime Ristorante Machiavelli space). Via email, we asked the new owner if any changes are ahead for Luna Park Café. He replied, “Luna Park will stay the same, I will be working on improving food and some service, but only to make it better, I promised John to keep for another 30 years to keep his legacy and I want to keep my promise.” For now the hours will remain 8 am-3 pm daily, but Park adds, “We are planning to open for the evening next year. I have a lot of things to digest before I go further.” But he stresses he’s in it for the long haul: “I am improving Luna Park to make it better and can last another 30 years. Who know who will be taking over after 30 years; hopefully my kids. But give me some time, I will promise you to make it better in every way and be the #1 West Seattle go-to spot!!” (Never been to Luna Park Café? 2918 SW Avalon Way.)

FOOD BIZNOTE: Burbs Burgers’ West Seattle expansion site revealed

The man who revived the once-hot smash-burger joint Burbs Burgers has revealed his West Seattle expansion site. Three weeks ago, in a restaurant-opening roundup, The Seattle Times noted Bersain Gutierrez‘s revival of Burbs and mentioned in passing that he expected to soon expand to West Seattle. We’ve been working since then to find out where – many readers emailed us to ask – and just talked with Gutierrez tonight. He is a former Burbs employee who bought the brand to bring it back. Similar to his first revived Burbs Burgers, which shares space with Last Call in Frelard, he says this one will share space too – with Ounces in North Delridge (3809 Delridge Way SW), which has long offered food from a rotation of trucks. Gutierrez says Burbs will take over the Ounces truck space. hopefully in just a few weeks if permitting goes well.

Why West Seattle? Turns out he’s a WS resident! If you’re not familiar with the Burbs backstory, it was founded in 2020 by Josh Henderson of Skillet (etc.) fame, and had five locations before he closed them all earlier this year. (If you’re not familiar with smash burgers, here’s an explanation. We asked Gutierrez about his most popular burger. “Definitely the Special,” which includes onions, cheese, secret sauce, lettuce, and pickles, on a potato bun. The Burbs fried-chicken sandwich comes in second. He says they’ll have some “free food” events before opening, so watch for word of that. He’s “super excited” to be able to cook up Burbs Burgers in his own neighborhood and expects to operate seven days a week.

BIZNOTE: Morgan Junction restaurant Peel & Press to close at end of October – but successor’s already set

Morgan Junction’s pizza-and-more restaurant Peel & Press will close at the end of October, 10 years after it opened, proprietor Dan Austin announced late today. But the space at 6503 California won’t be empty for long, and Austin isn’t leaving the hospitality business. He will remain sole owner of the Flight Path bar in Boulevard Park and part owner of The Bridge in West Seattle and The Point in Burien. But closing Peel & Press, Austin says, will give him more time with his family – in his announcement, he notes, “I opened this place with a 5-month-old daughter and a wife already pregnant with another baby on the way … I have missed out on a lot of time with my wife and kids, and it is time to change that.” He adds, “I am proud of the restaurant’s ability to support the community. We have been a gathering spot for celebrations. We have been a spot for grieving. We have been a place that focused on a core principle. ‘We have no right to make money from a community that we don’t give back to.’ We focused on supporting the West Seattle Food Bank, local schools and many other local organizations. We rallied a group of other owners to help produce over 4,000 free meals for first responder and hospitality employees who were laid off at the start of the pandemic.”

As for what’s next in the Peel & Press space, Austin says, “I can’t tell you yet. I have worked to get an amazing owner in here and to bring something into West Seattle that I personally think we have needed more of for far too long. I will let them make the announcement, but I personally couldn’t be more excited!” He describes it as “a business that I think West Seattle will be really excited to add to its food scene.”

In an email conversation after his announcement, he told us a few more things. For one, he wants to be very clear that unlike some closures, this has nothing to do with lease matters – “I have an amazing landlord … a very fair lease with a great local building owner!” And he says some Peel & Press favorites will live on at his other establishments: “Some of my classic dishes will be run as specials at my other locations. Also, the West 5 Mac and Cheese will be available at The Bridge along with some of our specialty cocktails that people love,” starting shortly after Peel & Press’s last day on Sunday, October 27.

BIZNOTE FOLLOWUP: Work under way at Westwood space listed as future Panda Express

For those who have asked “whatever happened to the plan for Panda Express at Westwood Village?”, our photo has two signs that work is finally under way at the former Pet Pros space, just north of QFC. (Plus, a reader walking by over the weekend reported seeing a handwritten sign on the inside of the door bearing the Panda Express name.)

We first reported last October that the space had been labeled as Panda Express on Westwood Village’s directory map, the only way the center’s semi-new owners have “announced” new tenants in recent years. The map spot labeled Panda Express has remained through multiple updates of the map since then, as well as a listing on the center’s leasing flyer (note page 4), but no signage or permit applications have appeared, nor have there been signs of work – until now. The chain has 72 locations in this state already, including Burien just to the south; to date they haven’t responded to inquiries, but we’re trying again.

BIZNOTE FOLLOWUP: Last day for Azuma Sushi’s founders before ownership change

That’s a photo of Azuma Sushi proprietors Jennifer and Harry on their first day in business 24 1/2 years ago, on January 18, 2000. And here they are today:

This too is a momentous day – the couple’s final day before turning over their restaurant (4533 California SW) to a new owner, as they announced earlier this month. The new owner, Jenny, is a former Azuma employee, and as noted in Jennifer and Harry’s announcement, the restaurant will close for four weeks starting tomorrow and will bring back sit-down dining. Harry will be there after the September 28th reopening to help with the transition, but Jennifer told us she plans to travel to see family in China and Australia. You can stop in to say goodbye today – they’re open for lunch takeout until 2:30, then again for dinner takeout 4:30-9:30 pm.

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.)

From White Center Now: Another fried-chicken closure

Thanks for the tip! The White Center KFC and A&W location at 10050 16th SW has suddenly shuttered, and that big banner explains why. This is WC’s second fried-chicken closure in less than three weeks, after Bok a Bok. We’ll be adding details on our partner site White Center Now as we get them. (West Seattle’s KFC closed six years ago; Habit Burger is at that site now.)

BIZNOTES: Camp West adds hours, The Good Society adds smashburgers

Two food biznotes:

CAMP WEST: Toni at Camp West sends word that the Junction restaurant/bar at 4539 California SW has made some additions:

We started opening up early on Saturday and Sunday at 12:00. We also started a late-night food happy hour from 10-11. We will extend the late night happy hour in the fall and winter.

GOOD SOCIETY: From Nick at Admiral brewpub The Good Society (California/Lander):

We are debuting our own smash burger pop-up at The Good Society today at 4 PM. We are calling it SmasH After the MASH. Since we don’t have a hood in our kitchen, it will be a somewhat random pop-up when we feel like having some fun. Our full menu will also be available. People can find more info, schedule, etc., at smash.goodsocietybeer.com.

BIZNOTE: Azuma Sushi’s proprietors to retire, but restaurant will stay open

(WSB file photo)

Eight years ago, we reported on Azuma Sushi in The Junction closing on Sundays after 16 years of being open every single day. Now, owners Harry and Jennifer are going to get a more extensive break – they’re retiring, after running their restaurant for almost a quarter-century! But Azuma Sushi will stay open, and will even bring back sit-down dining. Here’s the announcement sent to us:

Azuma Sushi Transitioning to New Ownership

In some ways, it seems like only yesterday that we first opened our doors. But January 18, 2000 is more than twenty four and a half years ago now! Starting from that very first day, West Seattle has welcomed us with open arms, and we are so grateful to our customers, old and new, for helping us build a successful business, and really, achieve the American dream. You have been with us through so many ups and downs through the years, and we couldn’t have done it without your support. That is especially true of the recent pandemic, which tested all of us so much. It has been such a joy to get to know you, see your kids grow up, and become friends with you. Our family, including our kids (who you may remember helping out from time to time), has so many fond memories of the times we all shared together.

That is why it is bittersweet to announce that we are retiring, and that Azuma Sushi will be transitioning to new ownership. August 30th will be our last day. After that, Azuma will be closed for about a month, until the reopening date of September 28th. Don’t worry, we are keeping things in the Azuma family and will be around in the fall (with reduced hours!) to help with the transition to new ownership. We are excited to see where Jenny (a former waitress that many of you probably remember) will take things and know that you will be excited to once again be able to dine in at Azuma. We hope that you will embrace the new Azuma and that it can continue to be a part of the West Seattle community for many years to come.

Thank you, again, from the bottom of our hearts. It has been a pleasure to serve you, and we will miss seeing you all.

– Harry and Jennifer

Azuma Sushi is at 4533 California SW.

From White Center Now: Bok a Bok closes in White Center after 8 years

(Added: WSB/WCN photo)

Thanks to Sue for the tip. Just published on our partner site White Center Now, the proprietor of the Bok a Bok fried-chicken mini-chain has just closed two locations, including White Center, where he founded Bok a Bok eight years ago. He says “third-party apps” took too big a cut. Details here.

BIZNOTE: Pizzeria 22 founder announces restaurant’s new owner

After 13 years, Cary Kemp has sold Pizzeria 22. Here’s the announcement he sent us about the change for the Admiral District restaurant (4213 SW College):

It is with great excitement and a heavy heart that I announce the sale of my beloved restaurant Pizzeria 22.

I’m grateful and so happy to inform you all that I am selling Pizzeria 22 to our former Front of House and Bar Manager of 5 years Brandi Pierce. Brandi has remained on our books over the years and is very excited to take over the reins at Pizzeria 22 as the new owner. Please don’t fret, as Pizzeria 22 will continue on with the same name, menu, and most importantly, our amazing staff.

I want to thank the residents of Seattle, West Seattle, and North Admiral for supporting me and my family for the last 13 years. I have seen a generation of children grow up eating our pizza, some of whom have come to work their first job at Pizzeria 22. I have so many regular customers that have become family to me over the years. Both of my daughters have worked at Pizzeria 22 and my oldest daughter Plum will continue on working with Brandi in this new exciting era of Neapolitan Pizza.

Since our opening on June 30th, 2011, Pizzeria 22 remains the only VPN Certified pizzeria in West Seattle. We still import the Caputo “00” flour and world-famous San Marzano Tomatoes from Napoli and our wood-fired oven was also built and shipped to us from Naples as well. I can guarantee you that Brandi is dedicated to continuing these age-old traditions and will continue sourcing the best Italian ingredients.

Lastly, I would like to personally thank Chef Daniel, our head pizziolo at Pizzeria 22. Daniel has worked our oven and been our leader in the kitchen since the day we opened over 13 years ago. His dedication and commitment to making the best pizza in Seattle has been unparalleled in our business. Daniel is excited to continue executing the menu at 22, as well as developing our Monthly Special Menu which we started last year.

I hope you all will continue to support Brandi and Pizzeria 22 and again, thank you for continued support over the years. I won’t miss the stress, but I will surely miss seeing you at Pizzeria 22.

(Image: 2011 WSB photo of Cary from just before Pizzeria 22 opened)

BIZNOTE: After 35 years, Luna Park Café’s proprietor is ordering up a successor

(File photo)

One of West Seattle’s longest-running restaurants has put in an order for a new owner. Luna Park Café owner John Bennett tells WSB that he’s put his legendary burgers-and-breakfast (among other things) restaurant on the market. “It was a tough decision to make after 35 years, but it’s time to pass the torch,” Bennett says. “I am looking for someone who will keep it going as it is for another 35 years or more. The restaurant is doing well and I think someone could step in and take it over without skipping a beat.” He’s keeping it open while it’s on the market so the “new owner can come right in and take over. I’ve got a great staff there and I want to make sure that they can stay and hopefully the restaurant will stay the same.” If somehow you haven’t been, it’s not just about the food and beverages (including famous milkshakes) but also the quirky decor.

(WSB photo, 2023)

(And the history!) If you’re potentially interested, you can contact Bennett at 206-227-1950 or bennettproperties@comcast.net. You can see the listing here.

BIZNOTE: New owner for MOD Pizza, six weeks after its first West Seattle restaurant closed

After reports it was contemplating a bankruptcy filing, MOD Pizza has instead just found a new owner. This news comes six weeks after MOD abruptly closed one of its two West Seattle restaurants, the Junction location that was its first on the peninsula. We requested MOD’s announcement after seeing first word of the sale via Restaurant Business this past hour, and here’s what we received from a company spokesperson:

MOD Super Fast Pizza Holdings, LLC (“MOD Pizza”, “MOD” or the “company”) today announced that Elite Restaurant Group has acquired 100% of the equity of the company pursuant to a merger agreement between the company and an affiliate of Elite.

“MOD has an outstanding culture and passionate, loyal guests and employees,” said Michael Nakhleh of Elite Restaurant Group. “We recognize the inherent value this represents and look forward to helping MOD write the next chapter in its history.”

MOD, a pioneer of fast-casual pizza and salads, and its franchisees own and operate restaurants in 28 states and Canada. In recent months, MOD has been implementing a plan that includes rightsizing its portfolio, refreshing its brand, and further elevating guest experiences. It has made steady improvements to the overall business.

“MOD is a beloved brand with a strong following,” said Beth Scott, CEO of MOD Pizza. “We’re excited to work with Elite Restaurant Group to strengthen MOD’s future.” …

MOD’s remaining West Seattle store is at Westwood Village. The chain was founded in Seattle in 2008.

BIZNOTE: Why Shadowland temporarily closed

10:03 PM FRIDAY: Thanks to Hayk for the photo. The temporary-closure sign on the door at Shadowland didn’t explain the reason, so we emailed Shadowland’s Ben Jenkins. He says the “unforeseen circumstance” is a pipe break in the basement, and they’re working to get it fixed “fast.” The bar/restaurant at California/Oregon is in its 17th year.

1:19 PM SATURDAY: Shadowland will reopen this afternoon, according to a comment below.

Mioposto in Admiral: Welcoming a returning West Seattle Blog sponsor

Today we welcome Mioposto as a returning WSB sponsor! Here’s what they would like you to know about their restaurant:

Mioposto is a family-owned open-flame pizzeria, Italian kitchen, and bar located on California Ave in the Admiral neighborhood. Our journey began in the Mt. Baker neighborhood of Seattle in 2006, with the goal of creating a date-night pizzeria that adhered to the Italian tradition of using the finest ingredients while serving as a community gathering spot. The concept was a success, leading us to search for another neighborhood that shared our community-minded values. West Seattle was an easy choice, and we opened Mioposto Admiral in 2015. We are honored to be celebrating our ninth year with you. Whether you’re looking for a local date-night spot, a place to meet friends for happy hour, or somewhere to take the whole family for brunch, Mio is the place. We hope to have created spaces where you can sit back, feel seen, safe, and accepted just as you are.

“The only source of heat in our kitchen is our 800-degree oven,” says General Manager Scott Whited. “We focus on open-flame cooking to bring out the bold and honest flavors of the ingredients we use, from our pizzas to unique brunch items.” We freshly mill our tomatoes each day to create the bases for our pizzas, lasagnas, baked eggs, and more, adding only a touch of salt. This is honest cooking we believe in and that you can taste. “Next time you’re in, ask for a taste of our milled tomatoes and experience the freshness,” says Scott. In addition to our creative pizza combinations, you will find our succulent open-flame ribeye, calamari, Hood Canal clams, antipasti, our signature Caesar salad, craft cocktails, local Washington wines, and so much more.

“What people may not know is that we serve brunch and our lunch special seven days a week,” says Scott. “If you’re feeling tired of typical brunch fare, I encourage you to check out our menu – it’s something different and unique.” Brunch hours are Monday-Friday from 11:30 am to 3 pm, and Saturday & Sunday from 10 am to 3 pm. On the brunch menu, you will find our signature breakfast pizza with crispy pancetta and sunny-side-up eggs, or our panenata, which features our house-made bread soaked in egg custard with local Washington apples and pancetta, cooked in our hot oven in a cast iron skillet and finished with powdered sugar and maple syrup.

A major pillar of Mioposto is our commitment to our community. In 2023, we donated over $40,000 to various non-profits, school PTAs, and community organizations through our Pizza and Philanthropy program, which includes sponsorships, dine-out fundraising evenings, and gift card and food donations. We provide livable wages and comprehensive benefits to our employees, including 100% company-paid health care and investments in their futures through our 401(k) plan. We strive to protect the environment by sourcing ingredients domestically and locally and by providing compostable packaging to lessen our impact on the planet. We believe in treating people with dignity and respect, regardless of gender, race, nationality, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. Mioposto is a safe place for all. Thank you for making it possible.

More at www.miopostopizza.com and our Instagram @mioposto.

We thank Mioposto (2139 California SW) for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news via WSB; find our current sponsor team listed in directory format here; email patrick@wsbsales.com for info on joining the team!

BIZNOTE FOLLOWUP: Miso (Chef Korea) reopens, with new hours

Good news for fans of Miso (Chef Korea) at 1513 SW Holden in Highland Park – the restaurant has reopened, and changed its hours. Two weeks ago, there were concerns it was gone for good when a sign reading SORRY CLOSED DOWN appeared on the door along with a city-issued water-shutoff warning. Then two days later, a new sign declared the closure “temporary,” and a social-media message said “see you in (a) few days,” explaining they were “temporarily closed for renovations.” So we’ve been watching, and confirmed today that Miso has reopened. We asked what they’d renovated, and the person behind the counter said they’d changed their mind about renovations. They did change their hours a bit – they’re now open 11 am to 9 pm, Mondays-Saturdays, closed Sundays.

RETURNING: Taste of West Seattle! Restaurants and other food/drink businesses can sign up ASAP to be part of this food-bank benefit

June 4, 2024 2:56 pm
|    Comments Off on RETURNING: Taste of West Seattle! Restaurants and other food/drink businesses can sign up ASAP to be part of this food-bank benefit
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

It’s the most delicious fundraiser of the year – the Taste of West Seattle – and the West Seattle Food Bank will present it on September 19 this year. Though that sounds far away, WSFB is looking for restaurant participants right now to meet planning deadlines – here’s the announcement we just received:

Back again this year: The Taste of West Seattle!

West Seattle Food Bank invites restaurants, wineries, breweries, bakeries, and more to participate in the Taste of West Seattle 2024!

Our local, community-based food fair is the largest event of its kind in West Seattle and will again be at the Hall at Fauntleroy on Thursday evening, September 19, 2024. Featuring food and drink from over 30 different restaurants, breweries, wineries, coffee shops, bakeries, chocolatiers, specialty food stores and more! This event draws a sell-out crowd of 500 people from throughout King County. All proceeds from the event go directly to support the West Seattle Food Bank’s most needed programs and services.

Attendees vote on entries into categories such as “Best Veggie”, “Best Beverage” and “Best Meat Dish”. YOUR BUSINESS COULD BE THE WINNER and have bragging rights all year!

Businesses participating donate 300-500 samples to serve at the event and have 1-2 staff members serving from 5-9 pm on Thursday, September 19th, but there is no cost to enter the contest.

Participation in this event brings us closer to our vision of a community where our neighbors have access to the essential necessities of living, including food, shelter, and clothing. Nearly 20,000 residents of our neighborhood will receive assistance from the West Seattle Food Bank over the next year. Your involvement can make a profound difference in ensuring we have adequate resources to meet this critical need, while promoting your business to our donors and community!

For more information or to sign up, please contact Robbin Peterson – robbin@westseattlefoodbank.org

Here’s who won last year.

P.S. If you’re not a restaurateur but hoping to attend – watch here (and WSB, of course) for updates when tickets are available – this often sells out in advance!

BIZNOTE: MOD Pizza closes West Seattle Junction location

Thanks to Lauren for the tip and photo. MOD Pizza has closed what was its first West Seattle location, on the east side of The Junction, in The Whittaker (4755 Fauntleroy Way SW). Its Westwood Village location remains open. The now-closed location opened in February 2018. Besides its employees and fans, another group will be affected by the closure – the many nonprofits, sports teams, etc. for which it’s held dine-out fundraisers. The Seattle-born chain closed more than two dozen stores earlier this year, according to reports.

BIZNOTE FOLLOWUP: Mission ready to reopen

After “soft open” test runs, Mission is ready to reopen! We stopped by on Sunday night for a couple photos and a quick chat with new co-proprietor Gina Topp. She says she, husband Ben Johnson, and team have three major intentions: #1, “Keep Mission, Mission” – so you won’t find any big changes, though they did “streamline” the menu (which she says is updated online). #2, “Be stewards in our community.” #3, “Be a really positive place for our employees to work.” Rather than pose for a pic for us, in fact, she wanted to instead spotlight their two general managers:

GM Mike Adams is in charge of the bar and community relations. GM Cley Herrera Johnson oversees the kitchen, servers, and hosts. Returning in the kitchen is Mission’s cook of 11 years, Beto Candejas. You can check it all out for yourself starting at 4 pm Tuesday, at 2325 California SW.

P.S. One of those community-stewardship efforts – Gina says educators and veterans get a 20 percent discount, so be sure to mention it if you’re in either of those categories.

BIZNOTE FOLLOWUP: Miso says closure is temporary

We still haven’t heard back from them directly but this morning, Miso – the eight-month-old Korean restaurant at 1513 SW Holden – has put up two messages saying their closure is temporary. First, while – as noted in our original report – the signage on the door was the same yesterday, we went by again a short time ago while in the area and found the new sign: “Sorry, we’re temporarily closed, but! still awesome.” The restaurant’s sporadically updated Instagram page also has changed since we last looked late last night, with the new message in the profile area, “We regret to inform you that we are temporarily closed for renovation. See you in few days again!” (It should be noted that a similar sign popped up a few days after what turned out to be the permanent closure of predecessor Wanna Burger and Teriyaki.)