BIZNOTE FOLLOWUP: Junction plumbing repairs almost done
It’s been almost two weeks since we first reported on sewer-line repairs affecting Elliott Bay Brewing and then Talarico’s Pizza in The Junction. The work got ever more complicated, Tim O’Neill of O’Neill Plumbing Company (WSB sponsor) explained, as they dealt with, among other things, a century-old line. He sent an update today explaining that you’ll see his crews in the area a little while longer:
Both Elliott Bay Brewery & Talarico’s Pizzeria are open for business.
The EBB pipe-lining project from inside the building’s basement to the main on California Ave ha been completed.
We then moved over to Talarico’s to make similar repairs and have found additional pipe separations near the curb line that will require some equipment that is not readily available until early next week.
We apologize for the inconvenience and hope to have everything, including the cement repairs, completed by 8/31.
WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Restaurant burglary
New Teriyaki and Wok in Morgan Junction (6540 California SW) is opening late today – around 5 pm – as its owner deals with cleanup and repairs after an overnight burglary. We took the photo after hearing police dispatched this morning to check out the shattered door; at the time, officers hadn’t reached the owner, but they eventually did, and we went back just now to follow up with him. He told us the burglar(s) didn’t get away with much – $20 and “a box of chicken.”
BIZNOTE FOLLOWUP: Elliott Bay Brewing reopens in West Seattle
(Added: WSB photo)
4:07 PM: Just heard from Elliott Bay Brewing proprietor Todd Carden: They’re reopening EBB’s West Seattle Junction flagship location at 4:30 pm. As noted here last Friday, it’s been closed several days while plumbers worked on a stubborn sewer-line problem. Repairs are now complete.
ADDED 11:28 PM: Still some work to do, Tim O’Neill of O’Neill Plumbing (WSB sponsor) tells us: “We have been making repairs to an old sewer system that’s been functioning for a century, but finally decided to give up…….. We have found good solid pipe to connect to. The prior pipe we were following was in too bad of condition to reconnect to.” That’s what enabled Elliott Bay to reopen. Next: “Tomorrow we will be inserting a liner from where we made these repairs, out to the middle of the street to reinforce that stretch of pipe. Next step after that will be to make a smaller, yet similar repair to Talarico’s pipe that is in the same general location. We thank everyone for theit patience and please stop into these two great restaurants for a cold brew and a bite !!”
BIZNOTE: ‘K-food’ coming to former Wanna space in Highland Park
(Photo sent by John)
Thanks to everyone who has texted and emailed about the sign that just appeared at the space where Wanna Burger and Teriyaki closed back in May, at 1513 SW Holden in Highland Park: Chef Korea Miso. We’ve been watching the space ever since a commenter on the original closure story noticed a sign indicating it was being remodeled and would “reopen” in June. A return of Wanna didn’t seem likely, as the restaurant’s website had been taken down as soon as it closed, but we didn’t know for sure until now. As with so many times we’ve been by on spec, no one was there when we went back this morning, but we did reach someone by phone who was able to tell us a bit about the new restaurant. She said the menu will be “Korean-food based (called K-food).” Hours will be Mondays through Saturdays, 11 am to 9 pm, closed Sundays, and they’re just waiting on the final health permit before they can open.
BIZNOTE: Former Tug Inn site to become a tavern again?
(WSB photo, July 2020, post-Tug closure)
According to a liquor-license application, the former home of the Tug Inn may return to its tavern roots. The tavern-license (beer/wine) application for 2216 SW Orchard is in the name of Deluxe Beer Bar and Grill. We haven’t succeeded in reaching its prospective operators yet, but we did reach the owners of Bee’s Plumbing, which bought the site in 2020 and moved their business in until outgrowing it and moving to the former South West Plumbing location in North Delridge. They tell WSB they’re “in the process of renting the old bar out to a company who is going to open a restaurant.” (They’re already renting part of the site to a towing company.)
BIZNOTE: Driftwood on Alki reopening on Friday
Multiple readers reported a startlingly empty space at the restaurant/bar Driftwood (2722 Alki Avenue SW) and wondered what happened. No, Driftwood – which opened seven months ago – did NOT shut down. It did have to close temporarily earlier this week, co-proprietor Jackie Mallahan confirms: “We had to have our floors redone and take care of a small water leak.” They had hoped to reopen in time for dinner tonight but Jackie tells us this morning that they won’t be able to open until tomorrow (Friday): “Unfortunately the floors have not cured enough and we are not able to move the kitchen equipment back in.” They’re notifying tonight’s reservation-holders this morning.
BIZNOTE: Just Poké finally opens in West Seattle
In a reply to an online question, Just Poké had said they planned to try for a “soft open” of their long-anticipated West Seattle restaurant (4735 42nd SW) starting today. So we went by just now – and the sign tells the story: Yes, they’re open. It’s been a long road to this day for the regional chain – we first reported 5 1/2 years ago about Just Poké’s plans to expand to West Seattle, initially with a different Jefferson Square-area location; most recently, proprietor Norman Wu had told us they were aiming for late June. Their hours are 11 am-8 pm and they told us they’re expecting to have an official grand opening in a few weeks. This space was previously the art gallery/framing shop Wallflower, which closed four years ago.
BIZNOTE: New West Seattle Junction coffee-and-pastry shop Panterelli opens
Thanks to Dwight for the tip! The coffee/pastry shop that Pizzeria Credo proprietor Jacques Nawar has long had in the works next to Junction Plaza Park is open. Panterelli is all about choux pastry – cream puffs, for example.
This is not the proprietor’s first venture into sweetness – he also operated Naked Crepe for a few years in the northernmost commercial space demolished for the under-construction mixed-use building. The 4210 SW Alaska space where Panterelli is now open was previously Western Jewelry and Coin Exchange (known casually as “the watch shop”). Panterelli’s hours for starters are Wednesdays through Sundays, 8 am-3 pm.
WEEKEND SCENE: 32 ways to enjoy Taste of White Center
It’s a street party in White Center today, with 16th SW closed to vehicles between Roxbury and SW 100th for the Taste of White Center, benefiting the White Center Food Bank. 32 restaurants and bars are offering $5 “tastes” – some savory, some sweet, like the three cream puffs from Puffy Pandy:
Here’s how it works – find one of the WCFB booths along 16th, and buy $5 tickets, redeemable at the participants of your choice.
You’ll get a map/list with the locations/names of the participating restaurants and bars and what they’re offering. Some non-downtown WC businesses have set up shop in booths on 16th so they can be part of it, like Dubsea Coffee (strawberry lemonade):
The food spans a variety of cuisines – Mexican, Vietnamese, Chinese, Laotian, Salvadorean, American, and vegetarian/vegan options – Lotus Vegetarian Restaurant‘s booth (fried rice, Singapore noodles, egg roll) among them:
Almost all the venues are offering their tastes until 4 pm. A few have later starts – Tomo, offering strawberry/basil kakigori for dessert, is listed as “1 pm until sold out.” Five venues are north of Roxbury in South Delridge: Nacho Mama, Young’s, Meat the Live Butcher, Can Bar, and Mac’s Triangle Pub. Wherever you get your food, tents are set up at multiple spots with tables and chairs.
BIZNOTE: Five Guys finally talks Westwood Village opening date
(WSB photo, earlier this month)
A full year has now passed since we first told you that the burger chain Five Guys was taking over the ex-Payless spot on the south side of Westwood Village. Today, we have official info for the first time. We pinged the company again (past inquiries had gone unanswered) after WSB reader Rick noticed the website had finally been updated with a page for this location and the declaration that it would open in July. A company spokesperson confirms that, telling WSB, “We are hoping for an end-of-July opening. Hiring is underway. This store will have dine-in, delivery, and large-order program options.” Hours will be 11 am-10 pm, seven days a week.
BIZNOTES: Ice cream and pizza
Two food-business notes:
YES, SHUG’S IS STILL ON THE WAY: After a couple reader questions recently about the status of long-on-the-way Shug’s Soda Fountain (Mini) location at California/Charlestown, we checked in with co-proprietor Colleen, who replied, “We are forging ahead! Just not sure when we can get the final push accomplished. I am so excited to share Shug’s with everyone and wish we were open already. Hopefully soon!” It’s going on five years since they first announced intentions for the space. They’ve had pop-ups on the way, plus permitting challenges and life circumstances contributing to the long delay.
NAME CHANGE: Erik emailed today to say he had received a postal-mail brochure for Romano Pizza and Pasta, at the same address he knew as Olympia Pizza (5605 Delridge Way SW). So we went over to see what was up.
We asked the staff if the name change signified an ownership change; they said no. We recognized the same staff as last time we had been there some weeks back; Erik said the menu in the brochure seems pretty much the same too. The restaurant opened, as Olympia Pizza, 15 years ago.
BIZNOTES: Pre-Father’s Day ‘meat market’; new brunch’; hot pop-up
Three food biznotes:
PRE-FATHER’S DAY ‘MEAT MARKET’: Lady Jaye in The Junction (4523 California SW) is throwing the doors open at 4 pm tomorrow (Tuesday, June 13) for a pre-Father’s Day meat market. Highlights:
We are bringing in some of the best beef in the entire world:
Japanese A5 wagyu beef
Australian 9+ wagyu beef
Full-Blood Wagyu Beef raised in Oregon and Washington
We will also have little mini-bottles of our favorite whiskeys available as Father’s Day gifts!
DJ Derek Moon will be on the patio and we will have a photobooth set up with a bunch of “Dad” and “grilling” props.
This will go until 8 pm – if the merchandise lasts that long.
NEW BRUNCH: Otter on the Rocks (4210 SW Admiral Way) has launched brunch – a variety of waffle offerings, including the classic combo of fried chicken and a waffle, plus brunch cocktails (mimosas and more). Brunch begins at 9 am every Sunday and continues until 2 pm.
HOT POP-UP: Papa Tony’s Hot Sauce – the reigning recipient of West Seattle Emerging Business of the Year – has just teamed up with Mission Cantina in The Admiral District. To celebrate, Papa Tony’s will be in the house at Mission (2325 California SW) for a pop-up shop this Friday and Saturday (June 16-17), 5-8 pm, with samples, sauce for sale, drawings, and more.
BIZNOTE: West Seattle’s Taco Time remodels, bans cash
We’ve been getting questions/tips about two changes at West Seattle’s Taco Time restaurant (3500 SW Avalon Way). We’ve had inquiries out to Taco Time Northwest‘s corporate headquarters and got some info today. First, they’ve closed their interior seating temporarily for what a spokesperson calls a “simple remodel.” She’s still waiting for information on how long the work is supposed to last. The drive-through remains open, which is how customers learned about this: They’re no longer accepting cash.
(Photo sent by reader)
Signage says they’re refusing because of burglaries, and the Taco Time NW spokesperson affirms that, saying this is the only location in their regional chain with this policy: “We accept cash at all locations except West Seattle due to several recent break-ins. Our priority is employee safety, and this temporary measure helps mitigate risks at this location.” (We reported on one break-in back in late April.)
BIZNOTE: Boss Drive-In celebrating 9th anniversary Wednesday with gifts for you
It’s been a big year for Boss Drive-In in South Delridge – and Wednesday they’re offering you freebies to celebrate.
Eikam Singh is managing the restaurant while home from college for the summer. His family bought it a year and a half ago. They also own the nearby South Delridge 7-11 and the one at 35th/Barton, but Boss is their first restaurant.
The biggest recent change: They’re now open 24 hours a day. Singh says they’re usually busy until 3 or 4 am, and then the staff focuses on getting ready for the next day. They’re still working on their breakfast menu, he says – it’s not quite perfected yet. They’ve installed one self-checkout line and are planning another.
They’re also working with delivery services now, and Singh says that has revealed they have fans beyond the immediate neighborhood – the average order, he says, travels 8 to 10 miles, and they’ve had some customers from as far away as Tacoma.
Boss also has been beefing up community sponsorships, like backing a West Seattle Baseball team, and are looking to do more of that, Singh says. They’re aware that the burger biz is about to get another local entrant, with Five Guys moving into Westwood Village a short distance west; they’re serving a different market, pricing-wise among other things, Singh believes. And right now, it’s time for Boss Drive-In to celebrate: Free fries and ice cream on Wednesday (June 7th): “We wanted to do something big.”
(Boss Drive-In is at 9061 Delridge Way SW.)
GIVING: Marination serves up a double donation to South Seattle College
(WSB photo, 2009)
Our photo above is from July 4th, 2009, when Marination brought its already-famous food truck to West Seattle. Co-proprietors Roz (in the photo) and Kamala opened Marination ma kai at Seacrest three years later, and that’s become a West Seattle staple. But now Marination’s original truck is back in West Seattle, in a new role along with a sibling. Here’s the explanation from South Seattle College (WSB sponsor):
Marination, a Hawaiian-Korean culinary team that started with a food truck in 2009 and has now expanded to multiple brick-and-mortar locations in the Seattle area, donated two food trucks to South Seattle College earlier this month, including “Big Blue,” the truck where it all started (read an ode to Big Blue on Marination’s Instagram page).
Automotive Technology students will gain experience working on the trucks to get them in prime working order and then our Culinary Arts students will get to create food truck menus and feed our campus community with both sweet and savory concepts, simulating the entrepreneurial experience many of them may wish to take in their future careers.
(SSC photo)
The college will rebrand the trucks with new names and paint jobs, involving the campus community to come up with fun concepts. The trucks are expected to be fully functioning next academic year, and Culinary Arts students have already promised their first stop will be feeding Automotive Technology students as thanks for their mechanical expertise.
“Marination’s donation of food trucks to our college is an amazing gift and we are so grateful for their generosity,” said SSC’s Dean of Hospitality and Service Occupations Brian Scheehser. “Marination is a shining example of how to succeed in Seattle’s culinary industry, and we are proud to have part of their company history become part of our college culture and curriculum.”
South Seattle College’s Professional & Technical Career Training Programs have benefited greatly from donations over our 50-plus years in operation, from jet engines to support Aviation Maintenance Technology student learning to shelves that improved our Landscape Horticulture greenhouses. Anyone interested in donating equipment to support our programs (thank you!) can contact the Seattle Colleges Foundation.
BIZNOTE: Mother’s Day brunch at Lily’s
If you haven’t finalized plans for Mother’s Day (this Sunday, May 14th) yet, Lily’s Salvadorean Restaurant proprietor Lily Anaya asked us to share this invitation:
On Sunday, May 14th, Lily’s Salvadorean Restaurant will be hosting a special Mother’s Day brunch from 11 am to 1 pm. There will be a Mariachi band performing during this time to add to the festive atmosphere. However, the restaurant will remain open throughout the day to continue the celebration of all mothers.
We are excited to invite families to join us for a delicious meal and a fun-filled day at Lily’s. We will be offering a special menu for the occasion, featuring some of our most popular dishes as well as some new creations.
We look forward to welcoming many families to Lily’s Salvadorean Restaurant this Mother’s Day!
Lily’s – which also runs a popular West Seattle Farmers’ Market booth – has been open more than a year at 2940 SW Avalon Way. (Anybody else with a special Mother’s Day plan? Let us know!)
BIZNOTE: Wanna Burger and Teriyaki closes
That’s the sign on the door of Wanna Charbroiled Burger and Teriyaki at 1513 SW Holden in Highland Park. After a tip late Monday night about closure plans, we went over at what would have been opening time Tuesday, but they already were shuttered – no sign then, but when we went back in the afternoon, the sign had since been placed. We’ve been unable to reach the restaurant’s ownership by email or phone, and their website has gone down since it was last cached on Sunday, but staff at the SeaMart convenience next door told us that Monday was Wanna’s last day. The restaurant had been open almost a decade; among its predecessors there was the original home of the late, lamented Zippy’s Giant Burgers, which opened in the 16th/Holden spot exactly 15 years ago, moved to White Center three years later, and closed last year.
BIZNOTE: What The Spot West Seattle is doing to remedy public-health violations (update: reopening Saturday)
That’s the sign at The Spot West Seattle in the Luna Park neighborhood. We went over after Public Health – Seattle & King County announced this morning that it had closed The Spot yesterday for “inadequate refrigeration capacity to safely store foods (and) repeat critical food safety violations including cold holding, cooling, and lack of thermometers to monitor food temperatures.” We also emailed proprietor Philip Sudore, who tells WSB, “Our refrigerator system went out and we are working as fast as we can to fix or replace the units. This will be a quick remedy. We look to be serving our community again no later than next week. We have always maintained an excellent rating with the health department. Quality, health standards and service is at the top of our list in terms of core values. We look forward to the upgrades and will be back soon better than ever.” (You can search the PHSKC database for this or any other King County establishment by going here.)
FRIDAY NIGHT UPDATE: Sudore tells WSB, “Our refrigerators are fixed and we have been re-inspected and cleared to open tomorrow for normal business hours.”
BIZNOTE: Fire Tacos invites you to Alki anniversary celebration
Another business is celebrating its anniversary! Erika and Jorge Saldivar of Fire Tacos on Alki asked us to let you know that they’re planning a party on Monday (April 24th) to start their second year at the beach. Between 4 pm and 9 pm, they’ll be offering 99-cent tacos as part of a special anniversary menu (with some restrictions – 10 per person, no takeout or to-go orders). They’ll have live mariachi music, too. The Saldivars want you to know, “We are extremely grateful with all the love and support we have received.” If you haven’t been to Fire Tacos yet, it’s at 2738 Alki Avenue SW, west corner of 61st/Alki, a bricks-and-mortar expansion of the Saldivars’ original Kent-based food truck.
WEEK AHEAD: Dine at Endolyne Joe’s on Tuesday to support Fauntleroy Fall Festival
(WSB file photo)
Paintable pumpkins are part of what’s needed to put on the fun, free Fauntleroy Fall Festival every year. If you’ve ever been, you know the festival also offers live music, birdhouse-building, salmon-hat-making, a cakewalk, a chance to see raptors up close, a climbing wall for kids … and it’s all powered by donations and volunteers. One of the biggest donation events to raise festival funding is happening this week, Tuesday (April 18th), at Fauntleroy restaurant Endolyne Joe’s (9261 45th SW). On Tuesday, go to Joe’s for breakfast, lunch, and/or dinner – its hours will be 8 am-10 pm that day – and part of the proceeds will be donated to the festival. At dinnertime, you can buy tickets for the gift-basket raffle (5-9 pm), even if you’re not dining. Meantime, set your calendar – this year’s festival will happen on Sunday, October 15th.
You have probably heard about the deadly wildfires on the island of Maui, with at least 36 people reported dead so far. (
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