West Seattle, Washington
06 Monday
(WSB photos)
It’s easier than hunting for eggs – finding deals at today’s Ski and Boat Swap sale at Mountain to Sound Outfitters (WSB sponsor). This year they’ve added snow gear to the annual pre-boating season swap, so whatever you’re looking for in those outdoor-sport worlds, chances are you’ll see it here.
It’s a one-day-only sale, on now and continuing until 5 pm today.
You’ll find Mountain to Sound at 3602 SW Alaska.
By Anne Higuera
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
A construction permit is now issued for a Starbird franchise in the Alaska Junction, which is likely to be among the first to open in Washington state. The franchisee, Oregon-based Mehta Investment Group, secured the former location of MOD Pizza in the Whittaker development (4755 Fauntleroy Way SW) over the winter and then turned around a permit in a little more than 2 months. The other fried-chicken franchise slated for the Junction, Dave’s Hot Chicken, is still in the midst of permitting for their location at 4706 California Avenue SW in the former Haymaker space, where they are still expecting to open in mid-2026.
Starbird is primarily in California, where it’s grown to 17 locations over recent years with what its founder calls “high-quality, chef-driven fast food.” In addition to a different caliber of food, it also runs a little differently, with orders placed via their app or in-store kiosks, though it’s still possible to order from staff in their restaurants. Starbird had a lot of visibility recently with its locations in both San Francisco International Airport and Levi’s Stadium during the Super Bowl. For those boggled by all of the fried chicken options, Starbird differentiates itself with chicken that is never frozen and NAE (no antibiotics ever), and a menu that includes everything from chicken tenders to salads and sandwiches, fries and churros and so many sauces, plus fried veggie options made with Gardenbird plant-based protein.
When the franchise agreement was made with the Mehta group, it happened as franchise agreements were happening in other states, including Colorado, Illinois and Utah. A Denver location was the first to open outside of California in late 2025. The plan for Washington state, when announced in late 2024, was to start opening locations in 2025—a total of 15 in Seattle and 2 in Spokane planned in the coming years, but none so far. The Whittaker location is a little over 2500sf, and the city permit notes the intended installation of a new grease hood exhaust system. A sign permit has also been issued for two illuminated signs, one wall-mounted and one blade sign. Mehta Investment Group was founded by Vin Mehta and is family-run, with a mix of restaurants, hotels and apartments, including every Jack in the Box in Oregon.
By Anne Higuera
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
A change in ownership for Roxy’s Casino and Roxbury Lanes (2823 SW Roxbury Street) means the neighborhood landmark is now one of the Imperial Palace Casinos, the third in a trio that includes locations in Auburn and Tukwila. The casino group took over operations late last month, and while there’s some new staff, big changes are not in the works. “Our goal is to keep it substantially the same,” the casino group’s president Shaun Jensen told WSB. “The property has been here a very long time, and we want to stay true to that legacy.”
That’s exactly what the longtime ownership group had in mind when they sold the business. “They’re the ones we wanted to sell to,” says Vern Westerdahl, one of the original Roxbury Investment Group LLC members. He says Imperial Palace Casinos is more like, “…how a family-run business would run it.” Westerdahl and a changing group of LLC members have run Roxbury Lanes since 2004, when they took over operations from AMF Bowling Centers. At the time, what would become the casino was basically an empty room. “The Lions Club would meet there one time a month. They had gambling there at one time, but lost the license way back when. AMF wasn’t doing much with it.” They changed that, building out the card room and adding other amenities along the way. Westerdahl says over the years the ownership group included Doug and Glenda Harrell, who also owned Magic Lanes, the White Center bowling center that closed in 2011, and was later converted into a church. Members of the Harrell family also owned the Roxbury property for a number of years.
Meantime, the Roxbury property changed hands multiple times, including a sale in 2016 to an Arizona LLC called Store Master Funding VIII. This last October, members of the Roxbury Investment Group LLC and some additional investors formed a new LLC, The Spirit of Magic, to buy the property from which they had operated their business for more than 20 years. Westerdahl says that $5.83 million sale was not ideal, but a necessity because of the rising cost of leasing the space. “It’s pretty expensive to do business in this area. The only thing that made sense was to buy the land and building.”
The building was constructed in 1957, and there is a lot under that one roof: the bowling alley, an arcade, a restaurant and bar, and the casino card room. It advertises a wide variety of entertainment, from kids’ birthday bowling parties to Texas Hold ‘Em and racing simulators. The new owners are still adjusting to the new space. “We’ll keep hours the same,” Jensen said. “We’re brand new to this area, so still learning a lot of the area and what makes the most sense.” The other Imperial Palace Casinos don’t have bowling or arcades, so this is new territory in more ways than one. “At our Auburn and Tukwila casinos, we are 21 and over. This is a new demographic, but it’s welcoming change.”
Jensen says the acquisition was a matter of good timing all the way around. “Our owner is always looking to expand the business and grow the footprint.” Jensen says they are working to keep as much of the staff at the Roxbury location as possible, while working in staff from other locations as needed.
Westerdahl says Imperial Palace Casinos has a 3-year lease to start, and the option to buy the property in the future, which leaves open the potential that the business and property would once again be under one umbrella in just a few years. In the meantime, he and the other LLC members have done a hard pivot from being longtime operators to landlords, and as he ties up loose ends and hands over vendor accounts, he says that’s a good feeling. “We had it up for sale because we’re not spring chickens anymore. It’s in their hands and out of our hands. It’s all theirs now.”
Today we welcome our newest sponsor, Fruits to Fronds Garden Design. New sponsors get the chance to tell you what they’re all about – so here’s what Fruits to Fronds Garden Design wants you to know:
Fruits to Fronds is a full-service gardening and landscape design business that has been located in West Seattle for over 28 years. Owner Shannon Toal has been providing the greater Seattle area with beautiful outdoor spaces that are as ecologically beneficial as they are attractive. Her experience and expertise can be found in the many types of gardens she has designed and installed. From native plants to zen gardens, pollinator to bird and butterfly friendly gardens, Shannon and the Fruits to Fronds crew are committed to developing environmentally sustainable gardens that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
What sets Fruits to Fronds apart is their commitment to blend environmental thinking with garden design. They are committed to creating landscapes that can help support Western Washington’s native flora and fauna. This is exemplified by their Backyard Bee Project, which seeks to support native pollinator Mason Bees with shelter and food as they pollinate your garden. The best part – Mason Bees don’t sting or bite! The Fruits to Fronds team is proud to offer bee shelter installation.
They will introduce bee cocoons and provide annual care as the insects progress through their life cycle.
Fruits to Fronds offers a suite of gardening services from initial design and installation to ongoing maintenance. From recurring monthly visit to keep your garden looking its best or just a seasonal visit, the Fruits to Fronds team can accommodate any level of work.
General Services Include:
-Garden design and installation
-Garden renovations and clean up
-Regular maintenance and weeding
-Fruit tree and specialty pruning
-Bee house installation and care
-Rock work and hardscaping
Whether you’re looking to just maintain your existing garden, or completely rethink your personal landscape, Shannon and her team at Fruits to Fronds are happy to discuss how to bring out the best in your garden and yard.
Fruits to Fronds, LLC
Website fruitstofronds.com
Email fruitstofronds@gmail.com
Phone 206-355-7600
We thank Fruits to Fronds Garden Design for choosing to advertise their services by sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news on WSB. Interested in joining our sponsor team? Please email WSBAdvertising@wsbsales.com for information – thank you!
Earlier this week, we reported that – after more than a century – Alki Lumber would officially close its West Seattle Triangle location at end-of-day today. Shortly after they did, two readers sent photos of the last customer, Siobhan Costello – the one above, from John Bennett, the one below, from Andy McConnell:
John also sent this photo of the picture of Jim Sweeney, who ran Alki Lumber – founded by his grandfather – for half a century until his death in 2012:
The Sweeney family sold the Alki Lumber business to Marine Lumber in 2021 but retained the land, on which they hope to eventually build the Sweeney Blocks mixed-use project, which completed Design Review years ago but has been on hold pending more favorable conditions for development. Meantime, Alki Lumber reopens Monday as Alki Marine Lumber at its new South Park location, 558 S. Kenyon [map].
Story and photos by Anne Higuera
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
Alki Lumber will make its final sale in West Seattle sometime this Friday afternoon, after more than 100 years as the peninsula’s only full-service lumber yard. Preparation for the move to their new building in South Park has been under way since last month, but they’ve been open for business at 4422 36th Ave SW even as the shelves continue to empty. They will reopen as Alki Marine Lumber on Monday morning at 558 S. Kenyon Street.
(Alki Lumber’s retail area has little left on its shelves in West Seattle)
“It’s an odd mix between sad and exciting,” says Korey Love, Alki Marine Lumber president. Love has worked for Alki Lumber for 18 years, and says the goal at the new location is to keep things as they have always been—just in a new place. “We’re going to do our best to not change anything: Same service. Same product.”
Love says the new location has 2,500 sf of office and retail, a 17,500 sf warehouse and the lumber yard, for a total of 2 acres. In comparison, the West Seattle location, essentially the same size at 1.98 acres, is made up of multiple buildings and lumber storage yards with a street in between them following the angles of the triangle area. That means the size of the new location will be familiar, just consolidated and more efficient.
(Charlie moves fixtures bound for South Park using a forklift)
There’s a lot of history here, most of it far beyond even the longest employees’ memories. That’s what happens with a business founded in 1921. Charlie, who was hired for his first job at Alki in 1980, points out the building just east of Alki’s retail entrance that looks like a house. He says it was moved from across the street to its current location many years back. Alki Lumber’s website identifies that as the building it operated out of on 36th and Avalon after leaving its first location on Harbor Avenue. It was subsequently moved to its current location in 1957. Just as Alki Lumber moved again and again in its early years, Charlie sees Alki Lumber’s move to South Park as part of the inevitable change that happens with growth. “The city wants progress. The city doesn’t want a lumber yard. It’s a key development area — the writing was on the wall.”
After owning it for 100 years, the Sweeney family sold Alki Lumber to Marine Lumber in late 2021. “The plan was always to merge the two into one location,” says Love. That plan was spurred along by the Sweeney family’s plan to develop the West Seattle acreage into hundreds of apartment units called the Sweeney Blocks. Despite Alki vacating the property this year, there is not yet a projected date for demolition or groundbreaking for the development, family spokesperson Lynn Sweeney told WSB last month. Alki’s new building is right next to Marine Lumber’s longtime location with an address on S. Chicago Street. Marine Lumber’s operations will stay where they are, but the office staff will join Alki’s in the new building. “Come Monday, everyone will be under one roof.”
(Alki Marine Lumber President Kory Love at the West Seattle sales desk)
As Love took a phone order today, framed photos of 3 generations of Sweeneys still hang above the counter, along with vintage tools on the nearby wall. Some of it will go to the new location, and some will become keepsakes. Practical fixtures, like the drawer system for specialty nuts, bolts and other hardware is being wrapped up on pallets, ready to move to the new space. Other things won’t be making the trip. “We purged some of the inventory we’ve had for 20 years and haven’t moved,” Love said, smiling. Jerry, who’s worked at the store since 1999, quipped, “We’ll have a clean store this time.”
(Blue-wrapped fixtures ready to be moved to South Park location with Alki’s original building from 36th & Avalon in the background)
Moving all of the inventory will be a monumental effort, and Love says some of their vendors are offering up their own delivery trucks to help make it happen. He’s aiming for the middle of April to have it all cleared out. While Alki Lumber has a lot of loyal West Seattle customers, they only make up about 30% of sales, so they will actually be closer to the majority of their customers and to their own employees’ homes in the new location. Love says he hopes West Seattleites will find the trek down the hill worth it. “We’re bringing the coffee pot and we’ll still have doughnut Wednesdays,” and he says if the 10-minute drive is too much, “We deliver.” A grand-opening celebration will be planned for late spring.
Meantime, the West Seattle location was not noticeably less busy two days before it is permanently closed. Love says the new space will be an improvement for operations, but the old location won’t be forgotten. “This has 70 years of dirt and dust and all the other good stuff.”
If there’s a person, business, or organization you think deserves one of the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce‘s Westside Awards, here’s your chance! The Chamber has just announced that nominations are open:
The West Seattle Chamber of Commerce is now accepting nominations for the 2026 Westside Awards, the annual program honoring the businesses, nonprofits, and individuals whose work has shaped the West Seattle community over the past year.
Nominations close April 5, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. across four categories:
• Westside Business of the Year recognizes an established business (3 or more years in operation) demonstrating growth, excellence in customer service, and meaningful community involvement.
• Westside Emerging Business of the Year honors a newer business (under 3 years) already making its presence felt through innovation, community engagement and gaining momentum.
• Westside Not for Profit of the Year highlights a nonprofit whose dedication to service and social good has left a visible mark on West Seattle.
• Westsider of the Year recognizes an individual whose leadership, volunteerism, or service has strengthened the community.
“Every year, the nominations remind us just how much is happening in this community. The Westside Awards exist to make sure that work gets the recognition it deserves,” said Rachel Porter, Executive Director of the West Seattle Chamber. “We encourage anyone who has witnessed dedication to West Seattle to put in a nomination.”
Winners will be selected by the Chamber’s Board of Directors and recognized at the Annual Westside Awards Breakfast on Wednesday, May 20, 2026 at The Hall at Fauntleroy.
Nominations are free and open to the public. Submit at https://loom.ly/j2lcDkM
For more information about the Westside Awards, contact Rachel Porter at rachel@wschamber.com.
The West Seattle Chamber of Commerce is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization that has served the West Seattle business community since 1923. The Chamber advocates for local businesses, connects members, and works to strengthen the economic foundation that makes West Seattle a place where commerce and community grow together.
Here’s our coverage of last year’s awards breakfast; see the list of past winners here.
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
Over the course of its first year, Mr. B’s Mead Center has evolved into another kind of center:
Community.
Dropping in to talk with Mr. B – Brandon Eller – and Mrs. B – Krista Eller, we learned that’s what Year One has brought.
As you might have noticed on our Event Calendar – not to mention theirs – Mr. B’s Mead Center, in what used to be Center Tool Rental at 9444 Delridge Way SW, is a hub of happenings. (That includes their first-anniversary party this Saturday [March 21], 2-8 pm.)
“Lots of art events – it’s a really inclusive space.” Particularly because they don’t charge for use of the space.”They keep their profits; we sell mead,” reasons Brandon. The no-charge policy applies not only to public events but also private parties – from birthdays to memorial services.
Though they didn’t expect this evolution, they’re pleased to facilitate it. “It’s what the community wants,” Brandon says.
They’re also happy to support new artists, and new events, with affordable fees for participants. One example that’s just launching, a Sip and Sculpt session on first Sundays, $15 for participants, whose finished work will be. professionally fired. (Next one, April 5.)
They’re also working with White Center Solidarity, hosting some of their events, like a mending session.
Live music is part of the mix too – “often it’s their first show, or if they’re new to the area.
They’re also supporting new businesses – like in-the-works Duchess Mini-Café (here’s our previous report on that), soon to open on their site – and collaborating with White Center winery Wolfpack Cellars (WSB sponsor).
Speaking of beverages, we wondered how the reception has been for the first mead-focused venue in the area. Customers are embracing it as “something different” that they’re “glad to have nearby,” Brandon reports. (The original Mr. B’s Meadery is still humming along in Fremont, in case you find yourself on that side of the city, though Brandon admits they have been focusing more on this location.)
They say they’ve received the same kind of reception that they’ve been offering to the artists, vendors, and others they’ve opened their doors to – encouragement and support. And they’re hoping to offer more – Krista has applied for grants to support more classes and pay performing artists. For year two, Brandon’s goal is to be able to save money for more repair work that the space needs – “we did a lot of small repairs” to get open and stay open, but now the ex-tool shop needs a little more love.
What’s ahead in the immediate future? They’ve been participating in the Rat City Art and Food Walk – third Thursdays during most of the year, though it’s been on winter hiatus – and plan to host 17 artists for its return in April. But before then, stop by Saturday to wish them happy anniversary (or check Mr. B’s out sooner – tonight, for example, is the weekly Rock Band Gaming night!).
Thanks for tips about changes at West Seattle’s QFC stores, adding a railing and swinging gates inside the entrance. We stopped by the Junction QFC (4550 42nd Ave SW) to find out about them.
We caught up there with manager Niko, who explained that the new gate brings the store in line with most other QFCs, which already have these installed as an “anti-theft” device to deter shoplifting. The Junction location took a little longer because of the unusual configuration of the store, with the main entrance on a corner that includes an elevator arriving from other floors.
The new railing, installed a couple of weeks ago, extends from the in-store Starbucks to the registers and has an automatic gate that swings in to allow entry. From the store side, the signage identifies it as an emergency exit only. “There’s a weird beeping sound but it’s doing what’s intended,” says Niko. Once a customer enters, the intended exit is via the register area.
The Junction QFC has also made some other changes over the years, including labeling the SW Alaska Street side entrance as an emergency door and installing a locking liquor cabinet at the front of the store. They also have a security guard on duty during the 20 hours they are open, from 5 am to 1 am. The location opened September 16, 2009, and is owned by Kroger.
As noted earlier, it’s International Women’s Day. One way to celebrate: Register for a free workshop West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor) and community partners are offering in a week and a half. From West Seattle Runner co-proprietor Lori McConnell:
This is an event for women who run and walk and work out to come together to learn more about ways to support our unique health needs. Thursday, March 19th, 6 pm.
This year, we will be supporting a charity. We chose Girls on the Run! They will be at the event so you can learn more about the program, ways to volunteer, support and more. West Seattle Runner will be donating 10% of sales for the evening to Girls on the Run.
We will have 3 presenters. Michelle Babb MS, RD, CD, is a registered dietitian who holds a Master’s degree in nutrition from Bastyr University. She provides clients with the tools they need to achieve optimal health through nutrition education, creative fitness, and emotional balance. We have asked Michelle to speak about nutrition as it pertains to hormones of the female athlete.
Lina Sims, PT, DPT, is passionate about women’s health and related pelvic-floor conditions. Her interest in women’s health comes from her own pregnancies and postpartum experiences with her two children. Lina will be teaching us pelvic floor exercises.
Dr. Stefie Deeds, MD FACP, a board-certified Internal Medicine and Obesity Medicine specialist in West Seattle, will cover perimenopause/menopause (Role of HRT for joints/sleep), strength training needs (bone health/ what the research shows), and the role of recovery/sleep in performance.
We will have Seattle Sports Performance at the event so you can learn about an opportunity for strength training.
Rosemary, owner of Nailspa2u, will be here to help with healthy tips for Healthy Feet. While her schedule is often full, maybe you can slide onto her calendar…she is talented and skilled in treating runner’s feet and lost nails from all those miles.
We will have a demo fleet of Brooks bras! Justine will get you fitted in a bra and we will do a couple laps at the track to wear test them. We will also raffle off a couple bras! We also will provide snacks and beverages.
Again, this is all free, but WSR requests RSVP so they can plan – email lori@westseattlerunner.com – then be at the shop that night, 2743 California SW.
Another new business location that just turned up in city permit filings this week already has put up signage. Thanks to Stacy for the tip on that; we went by 3902 California SW this afternoon to see the site for forthcoming Delphinium Delicatessen. It’s planned for the space inhabited by West Seattle Tattoo before that business joined the exodus to The Junction. Here’s a closer look at what the signage says:
(If you can’t read the fine print, it promises, “A specialty market with fine groceries and goods.”) On its early-stage website, Delphinium also promises “whole-wheel cheeses.” The site plan shows a kitchen – might that mean prepared food? We have a message out to the proprietor to find out more.
Ever since the “for lease” sign came down and the window-covering paper went up a few weeks ago, readers have been asking us if we know who’s moving into 4736 California SW (most recently home to My Three Little Birds, which is now at West Seattle Mercantile about a mile north). Tonight we finally know, thanks to a new city permit filing. It’s an extension of the trend for businesses to move into The Junction from elsewhere in West Seattle. In this case, it’s the dance, fitness, and capoeira studio – and community cultural space – VivaArts, currently at 4421 Fauntleroy Way SW. Proprietor Jennifer Hobbs tells WSB, “This move will be an expansion for VivaArts – the new location will have a reception area, two studio rooms, changing areas, an ADA bathroom and in-studio bathrooms. We hope to expand our programming and to reach more folks in West Seattle to bring our cultural arts, dance, and fitness programming for all ages.” When will they move? “VivaArts will stay at our Fauntleroy location most likely until the end of July or early August when we expect the construction to be completed at the new space in the Junction.” Other businesses that have moved relatively recently into the heart of The Junction – California between Oregon and Edmunds – from elsewhere in West Seattle include WSB sponsor Paper Boat Booksellers (from Morgan Junction), The Missing Piece (from just north of Arbor Heights), and Emerald Water Anglers (from 42nd/Oregon).
Though the official “grand opening” celebration isn’t until Saturday, Mud Bay‘s Admiral store is expected to open for business in its new location – the two-years-empty ex-Wells Fargo kitty-corner from the pet-supply store’s old location – tomorrow. Crews are moving the merchandise into the new location right now. Grand-opening festivities are scheduled to start at 9 am Saturday. Their now-former space will be the new home of Thunder Road Guitars (WSB sponsor) and The Bass Shop later this year.
Thanks for the tips! “We’re Moving Soon” banners like the one in our photo have gone up around the longtime Alki Lumber yard in The Triangle. So, readers asked, how soon is “soon”? The exact date isn’t finalized yet but “very” soon, Alki Lumber tells us, likely within weeks, with more details expected shortly. As we first reported four years ago, Alki Lumber is owned by Marine Lumber, sold by the Sweeney family after a century. Its new location is in South Park – 558 S. Kenyon. It’s been seven years since the Sweeneys announced they were studying options for their Triangle property’s future; they subsequently made plans for two buildings on what became known as the Sweeney Blocks, with hundreds of apartments.
(2021 rendering, with potential location for historic neon sign)
The projects finished going through Design Review in 2021 (as we reported here and here); some, but not all, major permits have since been issued.
(WSB photo from October)
Another Jefferson Square business flooded by last October’s CVS pipe break is finally getting back into its space. We told you earlier this month about Dream Dinners West Seattle‘s reopening following flooding repairs; now we just got word from neighboring School of Rock West Seattle‘s proprietor Phil Gustavson that they’re ready to reopen too:
School of Rock West Seattle is hosting a grand re-opening event March 7th, 2026 noon-3 pm.
After being forced to close in October of 2025 due to water damage from a leaking pipe in the CVS pharmacy above the school, School of Rock West Seattle is thrilled to announce that the school will be rebuilt and ready for students starting March 7th. New students who sign up at the grand opening event will receive 50% off their first month’s tuition and 20% off summer camps!
The event will have live music as the house band rehearses during the event. Free trial lessons will also be available to those who pre-book by calling the school at 206.294.3175. Tours of the school and refreshments will be available as well as awesome door prizes including a brand-new Boss overdrive guitar effect pedal for one lucky guest! Guests may enter the door prize drawing for free and do not need to be present for the drawing at 3 pm in order to win.
School of Rock is on the east side of outer Jefferson Square, at 41st SW and SW Alaska.
(Photos courtesy West Seattle Nursery)
That’s the newest thing flowering for West Seattle Nursery (WSB sponsor) – their Grand Prize trophy from the Northwest Flower and Garden Festival! You might recall their call – and community members’ response – for books to include. Here’s what they became:
Here’s how WSN announced the win:
Many long days went into building this display, and we are so proud of what our crew created. Thank you to every person who worked tirelessly to bring our garden library shed concept to life.
The care poured into every small (and not so small) detail is what makes this woodland escape feel so effortlessly homey.
“Where Stories Take Root” was designed as a cozy reading retreat nestled among ferns, shade-loving shrubs, and trees, a space where structure and landscape blur together. A deck extends over a gently moving pond, wooden bowls drift and softly knock against one another, and a sunken seating circle invites you to slow down and stay a while. Look up and you’ll find a chandelier crafted from books. Look closer and you’ll see pages fanned into floral forms. Every detail has a story.
Also:
People often ask where those big Madrone branches on the corners came from. One of our employees has Madrones in his yard and these were broken off during a wind storm.
You can see how many of those donated books were used. Again, thank you to the community for stepping up and helping.
You can see the display firsthand at the Flower and Garden Festival – at the Convention Center downtown – through Sunday (February 22).
As sunny days like today remind us that gardening season is near, West Seattle Nursery (WSB sponsor) is inviting more kids to join the Growing Gardeners Club, which will be involved with a demonstration garden that WSN will launch soon. WSN’s Marie McKinsey explains, “This month we are inviting kids to decide what we will be planting in the garden. We have a questionnaire for them to fill out, and we will announce the ‘winners’ in early March.” Kids can answer the questionnaire at the nursery (5275 California SW), and it’s also in the first issue of a new Growing Gardeners Club newsletter for parents, which Marie explains “will enable us to share more content, like videos and links to various resources.” If there’s a budding gardener in your home, sign up for the newsletter here – and see the first edition (with the aforementioned questionnaire) here.
Thanks to Desiree for the tip! That sign in the window of the former Row House space at the AJ Apartments (southwest corner of 42nd SW and SW Oregon) uncloaks the new tenant: Arthur Murray Dance Studio. If you’re of a certain age, you might recognize that as a name with decades of dance-teaching history worldwide. Here in West Seattle, the studio owners are Tina Marie and Gretchen Malone. Tina also co-owns the Downtown Seattle location; when we asked her why expand to West Seattle?, she replied, “We have a few students that currently live in West Seattle and have often thought that there must be more people that could use some dancing in their lives! We’ve come to find those people!” First lesson in the new space is Thursday (February 17). They’re teaching 30 styles of dance, with private lessons as well as group classes.
As announced last April, Mud Bay is moving kitty-corner at the Admiral Junction. And now they’ve set the date. Here’s the announcement we received today:
Mud Bay is excited to announce the official Grand Opening of its relocated Admiral store in West Seattle.
The former Wells Fargo Bank building at the corner of Admiral Way and California Ave has been thoughtfully transformed into a brand-new Mud Bay location designed to better serve the neighborhood.
When this space became available, we were thrilled by the opportunity to create a more accessible shopping experience for the West Seattle community, including five dedicated parking spaces for customers. The new layout offers more accessible square footage and updated fixtures, providing more room on the sales floor for customers to shop. The store will also feature an expanded assortment of small animal products and a larger selection of minimally processed frozen pet food.
Join us on February 28th to celebrate our Grand Opening!
The first 100 customers will receive an exclusive Mud Bay tote bag filled with special gifts and giveaways … Doors open at 9:00 a.m.
New Address:
2358 California Ave SW
As announced on New Year’s Day, the historic Ashcroft Building that Mud Bay is leaving will become the new home of Thunder Road Guitars (WSB sponsor) and The Bass Shop; it’s now owned by TRG proprietor Frank Gross
More than a decade after the first announcement of the plan for pet-friendly The Hydrant in The Junction – “a gathering place for people and pups” – it’s officially open. We reported just after Christmas that they were close, and today proprietor Beya Mark emailed to tell us about the opening at 4541 California SW.
Here’s how she announced it:
I am super-excited to let you know that The Hydrant is open!
After what feels like an eternity (seriously, did we take a trip through a time warp?), we’re open!!
Whether you’re a wine connoisseur, a craft beer aficionado, or just in need of a cozy spot to enjoy some cider or coffee, we’ve got you covered! And the best part? We’re pet friendly! Bring your furry friends along for the fun — because they deserve a treat too!
We’re not just open; we’re conveniently located in the heart of the Junction!
Get ready for a fantastic experience! Along with our rotating lineup of craft beers and fine wines, bring in own mouth-watering bites from local restaurants.
But wait, there’s more! We’ve got games lined up and are ready to host events that will keep the good times rolling. So gather your friends, and let’s make some unforgettable memories together! Can’t wait to see you all here! Let’s make up for lost time together. Cheers!
We went by for photos after the email from Beya, who, with husband Cliff, owns Next-to-Nature next door. Note that The Hydrant – whose delays were detailed in our December update – is 21+. It’s open seven days a week, still finalizing the hours but in the 11 am-7 pm vicinity, earlier and later on weekends.
ADDED: Here’s the current wine/beer menu.
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
Friday the 13th will be Meghan Hogan‘s lucky day.
That’s when she’ll officially reopen Dream Dinners West Seattle on the lower east-facing side of Jefferson Square (4701 41st SW).
We reported in late October on the flooding from a plumbing problem in the nearby CVS store that affected her meal-prep business and other neighboring businesses.
We didn’t realize until recently that Dream Dinners and neighboring School of Rock have remained closed for repairs since then.
Earlier this week, we visited Meghan as she, husband Mark Hogan, and employees continued cleaning the store to get ready for reopening, following weeks of work replacing everything from ceiling tiles to drywall to flooring to equipment.
While it retains the name of what was once a national-franchise business, Dream Dinners West Seattle went indie last year (not long before the flooding shutdown). And while their model, pre-pandemic, was primarily for customers to come in and assemble meals from prepped ingredients, it now remains mostly take-and-bake (or take-thaw-and-bake). And what they offer from a menu that changes monthly is more than dinners – also lunch and breakfast dishes and desserts. You order online, then arrange to pick up.
The first week is sold out, but beyond that, Meghan is hopefully their customers will return, and that they’ll acquire new ones. They got some help from a Dream Dinners store in Vancouver, WA, filling orders and meeting customers nearby twice a month, but that wasn’t anywhere near the volume they had been doing. “We’d love the community to come back and support us,” says Meghan, with hope. Not just support her – but also their staff, all part-timers, all of whom are coming back to rejoin the team with the reopening. (“All West Seattle kids!” Meghan notes.) Some were helping out during our conversation this week (which followed a staff meeting). The store – which the Hogans bought in 2019 – has a two-decades-plus history.
If you haven’t tried Dream Dinners before – or if you have – Meghan says you should know that it’s not a subscription service, and that the order sizes have changed – you have smaller and larger options; it’s not just family-sized. And the monthly menu usually has meatless options. Most items cook in 30 minutes or less, though they also have crock-pot-type offerings. The menu of options changes monthly, so if nothing sounds good one month, check back the next! The pickup/storefront-open times include some evening and Saturday hours, so you have multiple options. You can get Dream Dinners food delivered, too.
But even if you do, Meghan hopes you will remember there’s a local difference – her and those “West Seattle kids” on staff – “There’s a face” behind your order, someone who prepped your meal in West Seattle, “not just somebody dropping a box off at your door.” She’s thrilled, meantime, to be reopening her door to you again,
By Anne Higuera
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
A food pop-up with some tantalizing offerings is in the process of creating a permanent home in South Delridge as early as this spring. Duchess Mini Cafe is in permitting to open a walkup-style cafe in a building that’s owned by Mr. B’s Mead Center, whose second location at 9444 Delridge Way SW just opened last year.
Poffertjes mini pancakes cooking–photos by Jennifer Worges unless otherwise noted
Duchess Mini Dutch Pancakes has been a regular popup at Mr. B’s Mead Center over the last several months, serving Dutch pancakes, poffertjes, and other treats. Owner Jennifer Worges says she’s been serving her unique menu at markets and festivals for 3 years while also working a restaurant job and is excited to have a space where she doesn’t have to set up and break down every day. “Popups are a lot of work,” she says.
The future Duchess Mini Cafe currently has a red and white facade–WSB photo
The future home of the cafe is petite, at just 10’x10’, but Worges is confident it will work, and was thrilled that the owners of Mr. B’s offered her a lease. “I’m super excited to be able to expand.” Because the footprint is too small for customers to be inside, she is planning a walk-up service window to order espresso drinks, juices, and teas, along with a variety of sweet and savory foods.
Mango Tiramisu Poffertjes
Worges is planning to include many of the items that have been a hit during the popups. Poffertjes are mini Dutch pancakes that she makes with a sweet cream batter. Toppings can be as simple as butter and powdered sugar, or nutella, but she’s also been making a mango tiramisu topping, a goat cheese/cream cheese/vanilla mix and something she calls the Angry Goat: goat cheese with pickled strawberries, thyme, honey, and a little hot sauce.
Hoisin Garlic Chicken Gua Bao with fresh pickled sweet and sour veggies
Another featured item is her take on the Taiwanese street food guabao, which is a bao-like bun wrapped around a savory filling. “I’ve been testing it out at the last couple of popups,” she says, stuffing the buns with combos like gochujang pork, with sweet and sour pickled veggie, with more options to come. “My plan is to have breakfast ones, stuffed with bacon and eggs and cheese.”
Worges is juggling permitting and building out the space while still holding down her job as kitchen manager at the nearby Lumber Yard Bar. She started a GoFundMe this week and is hoping for community support to help with some of the costs. “Once I can pay for all the permits, I’m going to start basic and can always expand.”
In the meantime, Duchess popups will continue at Mr. B’s this month on the 7th, 13th, and the 14th, for the Rat City Valentine’s Day Market at the Mead Center.
As reported here on Monday, the former Walgreens in South Delridge has a new owner. Subsequently visiting the site (15th/16th/Roxbury), we noted the signage announcing that it’s up for lease. But new owner James Tjoa has more immediate plans to activate the site, we learned from a spokesperson who returned our call today because Tjoa is traveling. He’s hoping to use its lot as a food-truck site, with one truck scheduled to set up there within a few days, El Gran Taco, and “we’re talking to others,” hoping ultimately for “three or four” to set up there. The spokesperson says Tjoa already owns property in the area – the site of the White Center Dollar Tree store a few blocks south on 15th – and “loves” the area, considering the ex-Walgreens site “a great corner.” Though Tjoa is a developer as well as broker and real-estate investor, redevelopment is not expected on this site – zoned for mixed use up to four stories – any time soon; the building is in good shape, they explain, only about 20 years old, so “tearing it down wouldn’t make sense” – at least for another 10 years or so.
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