West Seattle, Washington
22 Sunday
Eagerly awaiting West Seattle Arcade? Co- proprietor Elyssa Cichy says it’s very close to opening at 2758 Alki SW:
We received our final approvals from the city this week, and are hoping to open very soon!
The last piece of the puzzle will be finding some great team members to help us get this place up and running.
If any of your readers are interested in a fun job at the arcade, they can email us at play@westseattlearcade.com
We are conducting interviews immediately.
Jobs entail making sure that everyone who walks through our door feels welcome and has a fun experience, handing out prizes, sales, setting up and taking down birthday parties and light cleaning.
We will be open every day, and are accepting applications for all shifts.
We first reported 5+ months ago on the arcade plan for the space that previously held Top Pot Doughnuts and various other food businesses.
12:28 PM: Thanks to Christina for the tip. If you look closely at the “Coming Soon” signs that have popped up in the corner space of 2701 California SW (next to The Good Society), you’ll see the first “o” is the logo for Seattle Yarn. The store, currently at 5633 California SW (where the space is listed as available for lease), has more than a quarter-century of history; its current owners took over five years ago. Their store is closed Mondays so we couldn’t stop in to inquire about the new plan, but we have sent a message and hope to hear back.
1:58 PM: Just talked by phone with Seattle Yarn co-proprietor Destiny Itano. She says they’re hoping to move into the new space around “end of summer” – no set date yet. They’ve been doing some work inside but she says they’re excited not about the increased visibility of that corner, but also about some things the space will enable them to do – it has some separate rooms, for example, which means they can have dedicated class space instead of “shuffling tables around” to make room on the main shop floor. She says they’re also excited to have Good Society as their new neighbor, as that opens possibilities for synergy with their groups and other activities.
(WSB photos)
Justin Cline, Ann Magyar, and kids Moss (12) and Ruby (6) have 15 reasons to celebrate today – that’s how many years since their family-owned Full Tilt Ice Cream opened its flagship shop at 9629 16th SW in White Center on June 20, 2008. To celebrate, they’re donating today’s profits to the White Center Food Bank. Community support has always been a hallmark for Full Tilt – this month, for example, in honor of Pride, they’ve been selling rainbow treats:
Though there’s been some upgrades over the years, FT’s White Center shop (they have one in Columbia City, too) still looks as quirky and retro as it did 15 years ago, with classic pinball and gum machines among the (functional) decor. Justin says that when they started (here’s the original announcement), he really couldn’t have imagined they’d still be going after 15 years. So when did you know you were succeeding? we asked. He said that by the second summer – after an understandably lean first winter – he thought things just might work out. Lots of favorite moments along the way since then, including hosting Mudhoney for an in-store concert in 2013:
Full Tilt’s open 2-8 pm today, so you can go wish them a happy 15th and support WCFB while enjoying locally made (their kitchen is in South Park) frozen treats.
More retail coming to Admiral! Thanks for the tip about a new business moving into the former Spira Power Yoga spot at 2332 California SW. After a few visits looking to catch up with the future proprietor, we caught up with Lana Bear, who has been intensively remodeling the space and plans to open Hoste on Saturday, July 8th. Hoste will offer “vintage and modern goods for all” – apparel and home goods – but “vintage” is more like the past few decades, than further back, Lana told us. (She’s been an online retailer previously – now venturing into brick-and-mortar.) See for yourself when Hoste opens – hours will be 11 am-7 pm Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and 11 am-5 pm Sundays, closed Tuesdays.
(WSB photo)
Yesenia and Keith are part of the team behind Rush Hour, a “summer pop-up” shop in The Junction that’s been open a few weeks at 4448 California SW, the future redevelopment site next to the north location of West Seattle Coworking (WSB sponsor). If you’re still looking for a unique Father’s Day (or beyond) gift, and you haven’t been in yet, you might want to take a look at their vintage sports items, part of what they carry along with sneakers (the specialty), streetwear, and more. Regular hours are on their Instagram page; they closed at 5 today and will be open tomorrow (on Father’s Day) 10 am-2 pm.
Starting next week, the building housing the community-staffed/funded Westside Neighbors Network Shelter, West Seattle Veteran Center, and American Legion Post 160 is getting a new roof – donated by area businesses. Adaptive Roofing is installing it in partnership with Malarkey Roofing Products, Stoneway Roofing Supply, Do It Right Roofing, and DTG Recycle. From the announcement (which you can read in full here):
… Recognizing the urgent need for a new roof at the Westside Neighbors Network Shelter, Sean Sternberg, the owner of Adaptive Roofing, felt compelled to utilize his resources and reach out to the community for support. Adaptive Roofing has taken the initiative to spearhead this project and ensure the shelter’s longevity and functionality.
Malarkey Roofing Products … has generously donated high-quality roofing materials for the project. With Malarkey Roofing Products’ expertise and dedication to sustainable roofing practices, the new roof will not only enhance the shelter’s resilience but also contribute to its energy efficiency and long-term cost savings.
Stoneway Roofing Supply has joined this noble cause by generously donating the remaining materials required for the renovation. … Do It Right Roofing, a local roofing contractor with a passion for community involvement, has stepped up by providing skilled labor for the installation of the new roof. … DTG Recycle … has come forward to support the project by donating the use of dumpsters.
Keith Hughes, who founded the shelter and leads the Veteran Center/Legion post, estimates this donation to be worth at least $90.000. The shelter/center’s current roof is at least 40 years old.
(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.
(WSB photo)
Something new is growing at West Seattle Nursery (5245 California SW) – the wall along the south side of the property, on SW Brandon, is getting a mural. The artist is Katie Todaro of Glam Dusty Studios, whose work you’ve likely seen beautifying other West Seattle walls.
(West Seattle Nursery photo)
When we stopped by this morning, Katie told us that with rainy weather likely to interrupt soon, the mural will probably be complete within two weeks.
A brave little girl from Arbor Heights was the inspiration for a gathering last night at Movement Mortgage (3727 California SW). Her name was Lucy and cancer diagnosed at age 3 cut her life short at age 8 – but her fight lives on, in hopes of saving other kids, via the Lucy Strong Foundation. Movement Mortgage offices nominated recipients for $10,000 GraceWorks grants via appraisal firm Karis AMC, and the West Seattle office’s proposal for the Lucy Strong Foundation was chosen. “No kid should die,” Lucy’s mom Nicole told the gathering last night:
Nancy Spiro from Movement Mortgage explained, “This is the first large donation the charity is receiving and we want to celebrate our hope to cure pediatric cancer.” Nancy’s daughter Raya went to school with Lucy and shared a memory at last night’s gathering:
The Lucy Strong Foundation is planning its first Sparkle and Shine Gala this November. You can check back here for more details.
Find out more about the Lucy Strong Foundation’s work – from funding research to delivering presents to young cancer patients – by going here.
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 WashingtonWe 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.
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.)
For all the price increases you’ve probably noticed on goods and services for which you pay, some businesses have held back – even small ones hit a lot harder than big ones.. One of those small businesses is finally increasing one key price a bit, for the first time ever, and the Delridge Grocery Co-op is announcing this so there’s no surprises:
In June, 2020, the volunteer-operated Delridge Grocery Co-op started offering its weekly DGC Essentials produce box (similar to a CSA farm box). It was meant to be just a Covid-era stopgap, but it’s become a signature product of our grocery co-operative.
For three years, we’ve kept the price as affordable as possible. But with the rising cost of everything, we now need to raise our prices by $2 — pickup boxes will be $22 and delivery boxes will be $27 starting June 25 (for our July 1 distribution). But we do have a deal to help with the transition — see more below.
The Delridge Grocery Co-op is currently open for market hours five days a week with a store full of organic produce, locally sourced dairy, organic and sustainably raised meats, healthy pantry staples, and a bevy of local delights. Located at 5444 Delridge Way SW, the DGC is open Friday 3–7, Saturday 9:30–3, Sunday 11–3, Monday 3–7, and Tuesday 3–7.
What Is an Essentials Box?
The DGC Essentials Box features a rotating selection of organic fruits and vegetables that averages 10 pounds and always includes a leafy green, a potato, an onion, three fruits, and three vegetables. We distribute the produce boxes on Saturday mornings, and boxes must be pre-ordered the week before between Sunday and Wednesday via our website.
Summer is a great time to receive an Essentials Box as we work with more area farms to source local, organic produce. We’re looking forward to working with Sound Sustainable Farm in Renton, Ralph’s Greenhouse in Mount Vernon, and more.
Our Essentials 4-Pack Deal
From June 11 to June 24, you can purchase a 4-Pack of Essentials Boxes at the current prices of $20 for pickup ($80 total) or $25 for delivery ($100 total) in weekly or bi-weekly packages. It’s a great way to try our Essentials Box at current pricing for just a little longer. Check our website for details.
Other Ways to Get Involved
If an Essentials Box doesn’t fit for your household, you can still help other Delridge households in need by donating a gifted produce box. We currently distribute 15-20 boxes each week, and we are grateful to so many in our community who help make this happen — including long-time donors Melinda T., Ann-Louise O., Lynn A, Sarah T., Elaine N., and many others.
We also need volunteers to help in the store — from packing and delivering produce boxes on Saturday mornings to helping run our retail desk on days that we’re open. You can visit our Signup Genius page to sign up for volunteer slots or contact delridgegroceryvolunteer@gmail.com with any questions.
By Sunday, the sunshine is expected to return, along with 70ish temperatures. Perfect day to try a kayak! Mountain to Sound Outfitters (WSB sponsor) invites you to Seacrest on Sunday for a test paddle – here’s the announcement:
(Photo courtesy Mountain to Sound Outfitters)
On Sunday, June 11th, from 10 am-1 pm, Mountain to Sound Outfitters is stoked to host Eddyline Kayaks at Alki Kayak Tours (1660 Harbor Avenue SW) for our annual Eddyline Kayaks Test Paddle.
If you are interested in exploring our beautiful waterways via kayak, this is the event to talk to industry experts and try some of the best locally made kayaks in the world.
Pre-registration is required. Registration fees apply to any kayak or SUP purchase.
The registration link has more information about the event and the kayaks.
(WSB photos)
Every part of Seattle actually has three city councilmembers – the district rep, and the two at-large members who represent the entire city. Approaching the midpoint of her first term, at-large Councilmember Sara Nelson visited the West Seattle Junction business district today. Her hourlong mini-tour was doubly relevant, as she chairs the council’s Economic Development, Technology, and City Light Committee, and is a business owner (founding Fremont Brewing with her husband in 2009) – she reminded the proprietors she met today that “I’m a small-business owner too.” Her tour guide was Junction Association executive director Chris Mackay, who first briefed Nelson on the state of The Junction – from public-safety concerns (including the recent hiring of private security) to event planning (with tens of thousands of people expected to converge on The Junction for West Seattle Summer Fest July 14-16. The big job is to keep The Junction “clean, safe, and fun.” They headed out to stops in three businesses – first, The Beer Junction:
Owner Allison has long been on The Junction’s Block Watch committee. She told Nelson the past three years have been especially tough for small-business owners, not just public-safety challenges, but also the 2 1/2-year West Seattle Bridge closure. Both Nelson and the assistant accompanying her said they could help with problems such as better connecting with other city agencies. From there, they headed south to Northwest Art and Frame for a chat with owner Dan:
He told Nelson things were going fairly well – his store started closing earlier, and that eliminated some problems they’d been having in the evening. He also talked about the difficulty of getting police response for thefts; Nelson said she’s working on an easier way to at least file after-the-fact reports. Meantime, she also listened as Dan spoke proudly of his half-century in business and at least one staff member who’d been working there his entire adult life.
Before Nelson’s hourlong visit wrapped up, she also stopped in at My Three Little Birds and heard about how businesses support each other by sharing real-time information on problems; Mackay noted she’s working on getting a better communication tool for businesses to use.
Before Nelson left, we asked about the day’s hottest citywide topic – Tuesday evening’s council vote rejecting the proposal she, Councilmember Alex Pedersen, and City Attorney Ann Davison had put forth to match city code with the new state law on drug possession. What now? we asked. Nelson said she wasn’t ready to talk specifics but “I’m not giving up.”
Every month, HomeStreet Bank in The Junction (41st/Alaska, WSB sponsor) spotlights a different local business or nonprofit. The most-recent spotlight has been on, it’s the West Seattle Garden Tour, which is happening June 25th. Branch visitors are invited each month to enter a drawing for a giveaway from the spotlighted business/organization. On Tuesday afternoon, tour chair Jeff Daley (above center, with HomeStreet’s Joyce Leslie and Jessica Santana) visited the branch to draw the winner of two Tour tickets. You didn’t have to be present to win. HomeStreet also is selling tour tickets, or you can buy yours online here.
As reported here in April, West Seattle Chamber of Commerce executive director Whitney Moore is departing, and the organization is seeking her successor. They’re now accepting applications – here’s the announcement:
The West Seattle Chamber of Commerce has launched a nationwide search for its next Executive Director.
The Chamber is seeking to build upon a trend of tremendous growth in membership—up 35% since 2021—with an energetic, self-motivated leader to help West Seattle businesses advocate for their needs.
“We’re at an important inflection point,” says incoming Chamber Board Chair Lindsay Wolpa. “With the West Seattle Chamber celebrating its 100-year anniversary in 2023, we’re looking for a 21st-century leader who’s ready to build on a tradition of economic growth for the West Seattle peninsula’s diverse business community.”
Successful candidates are expected to improve internal operations for efficiency while maintaining the financial viability of the Chamber and communicating effectively with a committed volunteer Board of Directors. “We want to hire someone who knows how to speak with businesses and for businesses,” says Board member Claiborne Bell. “We need candidates with the networking skills and experience required to build and maintain relationships with a wide range of businesses, neighborhood organizations, Business Improvement Areas and local governments.”
Candidates should also be able to oversee and manage marketing, social media, and communications, in addition to a proven background in fiscal management, grant procurement, and contract writing. Qualified candidates may submit their resume and cover letter to hiring@wschamber.com no later than June 23, 2023.
That’s the team at Lake Washington Physical Therapy-West Seattle (WSB sponsor), which just celebrated its second anniversary at 1309 Harbor Avenue SW. Co-proprietor Mark Bouma tells WSB, “Last week was our patient appreciation week, which marked 2 years of being in business. We celebrated our wonderful community, patients, and business partners that have allowed us to thrive. There were plenty of raffles, balloons, roses for patients, and LWPT spirit all week!” Here are two big reasons to visit LWPT in the weeks ahead:
This week – West Seattle Art Walk:
We are once again participating in the West Seattle Art Walk this Summer. Barbara Fugate is our curator and has just transformed our clinic with new art from many local West Seattle artists. Here is a video produced by one of the artists which highlights the process of selecting and hanging the paintings while showcasing some of the new artists in our exhibit. We hope to see everyone at the Art Walk on Thursday, June 8th at 6:30 pm.
After that, you have four opportunities to enjoy a workout with a view during Summer Rooftop Classes:
We are bringing back our summer rooftop classes this summer!
(The view from LWPT building’s rooftop deck)We love to support and spread the good word about other local health and wellness businesses so more of the community can experience them. All of these classes raise money to benefit local West Seattle charities, such as WestSide Baby. After each class, participants will have the opportunity to enjoy refreshments and have some time to meet the instructors, learn about our businesses, and chat with neighbors in the community!
Here is the summer rooftop class lineup:
Saturday June 17th at 9 am: StarCycle Rooftop Spin Class with live DJ
Saturday, July 8th at 9 am: StarCycle Rooftop Spin Class with live DJ
(Purchase a StarCycle credit here; reserve a StarCycle bike here)
Sunday, August 6th: HIIT Lab Rooftop Bodyweight Bootcamp
Saturday, August 26th: Fit4Mom Rooftop Class
Two West Seattle biznotes:
JUST POKE: On the way for 5 1/2 years, the regional chain Just Poké is finally close to opening in West Seattle. Mel sent the photo after noticing the sign had gone up Thursday at the future Just Poké at 4735 42nd SW, across from Jefferson Square, four-plus months after construction began, four years after the previous tenant vacated. We checked today with JP founder Norman Wu about opening plans; he tells us “We’re currently on track to open the last week of June!”
SPORT CLIPS: Thanks to Richard for the tip on this. After almost six years in central Westwood Village, Sport Clips – part of a national chain that specializes in “haircuts for men and boys” – has shut down and cleared out, signage and all. We don’t know how long ago they closed, but Richard thought it was relatively recent.
King County Assessor John Wilson just finished a media briefing on what his staff is seeing as they work on property valuations that will affect next year’s tax bills. His assessment of the situation: “Assessed values are going down in some areas for the first time in a long time” – at least a decade. This follows a big jump last year, so Wilson sees it as “re-level-izing.” So far, his staff has finished just two of the 85 districts, so valuation notices will be going out in those two districts first – Queen Anne and Sammamish. In QA, Wilson said, valuations are down 8 percent, while in Sammamish, they’re down 22 percent. So far, they’re only seeing a few areas of the county that aren’t trending downward – Normandy Park, for example, is up, while South Seattle is flat. Wilson says the downward trend also applies to commercial property, which he attributes to the work-from-home trend reducing demand for commercial space and therefore bringing down rents. Valuation reviews for all 85 districts won’t be complete until late summer, so it might still be months before you get your valuation notice if you own property. These are 2023 valuations for the tax bills that go out in early 2024. Wilson cautions that “Assessed values are not the sole predictor of property taxes” – they won’t know how taxes are going until the taxing jurisdictions start sending their budgets for next year. One more note, while you can’t appeal your property taxes, you can appeal your property valuation, provided you do it within 60 days of the notice date – the process is explained here.
(WSB photos)
Want to get out of the home office, without leaving West Seattle? That’s just one reason to check out West Seattle Coworking (WSB sponsor), which just celebrated the grand opening of its brand-new space at 9030 35th SW [map].
Co-proprietors Ross and Crystal Bevilacqua were joined by West Seattle Chamber of Commerce leaders and members for a ceremonial ribbon-cutting and party last night. They’ve opened this space in addition to their West Seattle Junction location (4452 California SW) and it’s truly new – they’re the first to occupy this space in the new mixed-use building.
The West Seattle Coworking space has a variety of ways in which you can work – open desks in shared space, or more-private areas:
If you need even more privacy for, say, a videoconference meeting or phone call, this room is set up for that:
West Seattle Coworking has meeting rooms, too, which are rentable even if you’re not an ongoing member:
And of course the other things a successful workplace needs, like a kitchen:
Want to check it out? The FAQ page on West Seattle Coworking’s website includes contact info for taking a tour, as well as lots of other info about how it works and what they offer; this page has rates for memberships and passes, plus a long list of what you get with a membership.
Just last Tuesday, Claiborne Bell of Seattle Sorbets and Distinguished Foods Kitchen was at a podium accepting the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce‘s Westsider of the Year award; today, he was on the field at Steve Cox Memorial Park, as the Chamber faced the West Seattle Junction Association in a softball game dubbed “The Battle for West Seattle.” We just dropped in for a few minutes before breaking news called us away. Among other starters, Phil Tavel was on the mound for WSJA:
And from the Chamber’s winning team, Mark Bouma of Lake Washington Physical Therapy – West Seattle (WSB sponsor):
(We previewed both rosters here.) As previously noted, the game was a fundraiser for the West Seattle Food Bank and White Center Food Bank; we’ll be checking on how that turned out. The numbers we do know (thanks to Karla from WSFB): The Chamber won in 10 innings, 13-11.
Shown after a practice earlier this week are some of the players you’ll see at this Sunday’s “Battle for West Seattle” softball game between the West Seattle Junction Association and West Seattle Chamber of Commerce. We asked for their rosters – the grids below are what they sent. First, WSJA:
Next, the Chamber:
Proceeds from the game go to the West Seattle Food Bank and White Center Food Bank (whose coverage area includes south WS). They’ll be playing at 12:05 pm Sunday (May 21st) at Mel Olson Stadium in Steve Cox Memorial Park (1321 SW 102nd), and you can buy tickets right now online – just go here.
P.S. Shortly after publishing this, we received the Chamber’s announcement of one business’s extra boost:
Mission Cantina Seattle is MATCHING all ticket sales for the Battle for West Seattle, so get your tickets now to support the West Seattle Food Bank and White Center Food Bank! Tickets are $12 — even if you can’t attend the game, you can still support our local food banks by purchasing a ticket.
The fun doesn’t stop there – get a Battle for West Seattle ticket to take 10% Off Your Mission Cantina Seattle Tab! Bring your digital ticket for the Battle for West Seattle into Mission Cantina for 10% off your bill from now until June 30th.
Mission Cantina is at 2325 California SW.
From Shelby at Metropolitan Market in Admiral:
This little penguin got separated from their people over the weekend at our store, Metropolitan Market at Admiral, and they are very anxious to be reunited.
They’ve been helping us out in Floral, Sushi (which they did very much enjoy doing quality control tasting), and Produce, which I think is their favorite department, for some reason…
Still, there is no place like home and they would love to be found. Inquiries can be made with any of the front-end managers. We have them safe in our office. They are clearly very loved and must be very missed.
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