Rob Smith
Judges Block Kroger-Albertsons Merger
Decision effectively ends plans that effect more than 300 grocery stores across Washington state
A woman named Kerry (she asked that her last name not be used) was perusing the canned goods section at the Magnolia QFC when she was asked if she had heard that a federal judge in Oregon had blocked parent company Kroger’s proposed merger with Albertsons. (About an hour later, a King County Superior Court…
Upcoming World Cup ‘A Massive Economic Driver’ for Seattle
The six matches could create almost 21,000 jobs
Seattle will take its place on the global stage while hosting several 2026 FIFA World Cup matches, and will be rewarded handsomely for doing so. Visit Seattle projects the event to generate at least $929 million in King County over the six World Cup matches at Lumen Field between June and July 2026. That includes…
Back Page: Nature Therapy
Washington state is among the leaders in outdoor recreation
The headline in the June 1970 issue of Seattle magazine sounds provocative, perhaps even a bit pugnacious: “Why WASP’s Camp: The quest for a Lost America.” The article had less to do with Presbyterians and more with the challenges of conservation and outdoor recreation. Written by David Brewster, who went on to found both Seattle…
Tacoma Mall Goes Upscale
It joins several other properties in recreating the mall experience
Many malls across the United States are struggling. So, why is Tacoma Mall investing tens of millions of dollars in a massive renovation? Mall owner Simon Property Group — best known locally as the redeveloper of Northgate Mall, now known as Northgate Station — has launched plans for a multi-million-dollar revitalization of the mall, which…
A Big Week For Atoma
Year-old Wallingford hotspot nabs best new restaurant awards
It’s only Wednesday, but it’s been quite a week for Atoma. The Wallingford restaurant has racked up some impressive honors this week, including being named Esquire’s Best New Restaurant in America. Earlier this week, Eater also named the year-old Wallingford hotspot its Best New Restaurant. “When I learned that Johnny Courtney had peeled off from…
Backyard Exploring in Seattle
Some favorite unusual places in Seattle for out-of-town guests
My father-in-law is coming to town this weekend, and we’re trying to figure out what to do and where to go. It’s kind of overwhelming, but not in a way you might think. There’s so much to do here in Seattle that it’s a real challenge to create an itinerary for just four days. It…
Seattle Shines on Giving Tuesday
Explore a multitude of ways to give back to the community
Did you know that Giving Tuesday is a global movement? Or that it was started in 2012 via a partnership with the United Nations Foundation and the 92nd Street Y in New York City? Today, Dec. 3, is Giving Tuesday, a day meant to amplify good causes and help nonprofits raise awareness and money. Seattle,…
Best of the City: A Triumph of Taste
He cooks. He brews. He distills. Now John Howie tops Seattle magazine’s Readers’ Choice awards.
Despite the well-documented struggles of the restaurant industry, celebrity chef and restaurateur John Howie is not pining for the days prior to the pandemic. He does, however, fondly recall the end of 2021, when cooped-up diners again began filling tables at restaurants…
Starbucks Dubbed a ‘Loser’ for Recent Performance
Problems are ‘deep-seated and multi-faceted’
Restaurant Dive (one of the many Dive verticals) cited an unfocused menu, a brand identity crisis, and political perceptions related to the war in Gaza and unionization efforts as reasons for a 10% drop in foot traffic and a 6% plunge in sales…
What’s Your Jingle Bell Budget?
A carefree splurge or frosty finances?
No way am I spending more than $2,200 during the holidays this year. Not gonna happen. Chances are many of you will, and if you live on the Eastside, you almost certainly will. Personal finance website WalletHub analyzed a number of wealth factors to determine that Seattle residents on average will spend $2,264 this holiday…