One of Seattle's Oldest Diners Is Closing After 62 Years
The diner was a North Seattle landmark and outlived its original building, which was torn down in 2002; the Varsity reopened in the mixed-use building that replaced it in 2004. According to Vanishing Seattle, Mariners manager Lou Pinella had a meal at the Varsity after arriving in town for the job and asked waitress Sandy Pelkey for directions to the Kingdome. Pelkey has been working there since 1979 and bought the Varsity from original owner Ozzie Boyle; she now runs the restaurant with her son Bryan.
Pelkey told Vanishing Seattle that the Varsity is closing after she couldn't reach an agreement on a new lease with the landlord. Rising prices and pandemic-related losses also contributed to the decision (common factors in many recent restaurant closures). 'While it breaks our hearts to see the Varsity shut its doors, what we will miss the most is the customers that have become like members of our family,' the Pelkeys told Vanishing Seattle. 'The doors may shut, but the connections and community we built will last a lifetime.'
Here are more notable restaurant and bar closure announcements from around Seattle. If you know of a closure we missed, please email us at seattle@eater.com
CAPITOL HILL — Gold Bar, on Pike and 12th Avenue, has closed permanently, reports Capitol Hill Seattle Blog. The owners told CHS that they lost the lease due to a 'real estate deal,' but the building has not been sold recently, notes CHS. Afterlife, a nightclub that was connected to the bar, has also closed.
FREMONT — Acclaimed restaurant the Whale Wins will be closing on October 28, the Sea Creatures restaurant group announced this month. Star chef Renee Erickson still has several restaurants in her portfolio (with plans to open more in Pioneer Square), but the Whale was the one that earned her a James Beard Award in 2016. Still, it had been losing money for some time, Sea Creatures co-owner Jeremy Price told Eater Seattle, and ownership decided not to renew the lease.
BAINBRIDGE ISLAND — Longtime Seattle-area chef Greg Atkinson, a pioneer in the 'eat local' movement, has retired, closing his restaurant, Marche. The Seattle Times reports that it will be replaced by a new seafood restaurant called Sweetwater Tavern, which will open later this year.
RAVENNA — A bizarre early July incident in which a car drove through the storefront of the Mioposto on 55th Street and 35th Avenue Northeast led to the pizzeria being closed temporarily for repairs. Several diners were injured by the car crash, though thankfully none critically.
MADISON PARK — Three years after opening, the nonalcoholic-friendly bar, restaurant, and hangout spot Kamp Social House has closed permanently. 'This decision comes after much reflection and is rooted in the need to take a personal pause,' wrote owners Marceil Van Camp and Katy Knauff in an Instagram announcement.
KIRKLAND — Arleana's, a Carribean cocktails and dinner spot from the owners of Island Soul, has closed after just two years, reports the Seattle Times. 'This wasn't an easy decision, but please know how grateful we are for every visit, every shared meal, and every smile,' the owners wrote on Instagram. The family's Columbia City restaurant remains open.
BELLTOWN — Also via the Times, Korean Bamboo, home of some killer silken tofu, has closed permanently, 'with a notice from the owner citing safety issues in the neighborhood and more, while sincerely thanking fans for all the love.'
CAPITOL HILL — Finally, Capitol Hill Seattle Blog reports that Finch and Pine has closed permanently. Owner Sara Moran (of famed Seattle restaurant Sitka and Spruce) wrote on Instagram that 'the main reason is because I'm ready for a new chapter.'
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