Rob Smith
Starbucks CEO Vows to Reduce Wait Times, Reestablish ‘Community’ Focus
Brian Niccol writes an open letter in just his second day on the job
It’s only his second day on the job, but new Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol isn’t wasting any time as he seeks to revitalize the Seattle coffee giant. “We aren’t always delivering,” Niccol said in an open letter on the Starbucks website. “It can feel transactional, menus can feel overwhelming, product is inconsistent, the wait too…
Seattle’s Influence Grows Across the World
International Downtown Conference welcomes almost 1,400 visitors
Seattle is truly on the global stage this week. Starting Sept. 11 and running through Sept. 13, the International Downtown Association convenes in Seattle for its 70th annual conference. The event features almost 1,400 community leaders, urban planners, and elected officials from 46 states and 10 countries. “This conference is an annual highlight for urban…
Uncommon Thinkers Welcome
Editor’s Note: This series is a partnership between Seattle magazine and Greater Seattle Partners, designed to recognize some of the region’s boldest Uncommon Thinkers — the inventors, artists, leaders, and entrepreneurs who are transforming communities and driving positive change throughout the world. Greater Seattle has deep cultural and economic ties with the Indian diaspora, with…
Less About Nostalgia, More About The Music
Seeing a favorite band takes you back, but it’s about so much more
While waiting to enter the Earth, Wind & Fire/Chicago double bill at Climate Pledge Arena recently, I asked a stranger if they used to be a big fan of the bands. “What do you mean ‘used to be?’” he said. “I know every Earth, Wind & Fire song there is.” That’s truly impressive if true, given that the ‘70s-era funk-pop band released 23 albums. It was my first concert at Climate Pledge, and the music filled every corner of the venue. And then I started thinking about nostalgia…
From The Editor: It’s Always A New Age
The new issue of Seattle magazine is out now
The September-October issue of Seattle magazine is centered around meaning in aging, and the challenges and triumphs we all face as we get older. Finding purpose in aging can be a fulfilling and empowering process and, as with so many things, Seattle and Washington state are the places to be…
Bellevue Arts Museum Shuts Down
Aggressive fundraising campaign falls short
The struggling Bellevue Arts Museum (BAM) has closed to the public. Its last day was Sept. 4. “Unfortunately, the financial model in the new building has never been sustainable and it has relied too heavily on ‘one-time’ big donors,” says Kate Casprowiak Scher, who was appointed permanent executive director early this year. “We are caught…
Lots of Questions About Nordstrom Merger Proposal
Deal calls for merger with Mexican retailer El Puerto de Liverpool
You’ve probably heard the news that the Nordstrom family, led by Erik and Pete Nordstrom, wants to enter into an agreement with Mexican retailer El Puerto de Liverpool to sell all outstanding shares of the company for $23 per share in cash, or $380 billion…
Bartell Owner Rite-Aid Exits Bankruptcy
Rite-Aid vows to become a ‘more efficient’ company
The owner of Seattle’s Bartell Drugs has exited bankruptcy with a plan to “rightsize” its store footprint. Rite-Aid, which purchased the 134-year-old Seattle institution for $95 million almost four years ago, declared Chapter 11 bankruptcy last October after struggling for years. It has since closed about two dozen Bartell Drugs locations across the state. Philadelphia-based…
Town & Country Cooks Up More In-House Restaurants
Popular Field House opens next in Lakemont, Poulsbo
Town & Country CEO Ryan Ritter and Executive Brand Development Director Susan Allen knew the grocery’s chain’s collaboration with iconic Seattle chef Ethan Stowell would resonate with guests. It has, however, far exceeded expectations. In July, the independent, family operated upscale grocer opened Field House in its Mill Creek location. The market-to-table restaurant uses only…