News
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…
Sue Bird’s Latest Honor? A Seattle City Street.
City renames part of Second Avenue North ‘Sue Bird Court’
You can now go from Lenny Wilkens Way to Sue Bird Court. The city of Seattle has renamed a portion of Second Avenue North adjacent to Climate Pledge Arena “Sue Bird Court” in recognition of Bird’s contributions on and off the court. Mayor Bruce Harrell said in a ceremony that Bird is as much a…
Seafair Names New CEO
Emily Cantrell will begin in September
Emily Cantrell has been a huge fan of Seafair since moving to the Seattle area from Germany when she was 12. Now she’ll get to run it. Cantrell, interim CEO at Seattle nonprofit Provail, is the new president and chief executive officer of the Seafair Charitable Foundation, the entity responsible for Seattle’s annual summer festival…
New Kraken Program Seeks to Foster Diversity in Hockey
Kraken Common Thread showcases inclusion at nine games this coming season
When I was a little kid, my father took me to a Portland Buckaroos hockey game. They played in the old Western Hockey League, a step below the NHL. I still vividly remember seeing only one non-white player, Willie O’Ree, who is generally recognized as the first Black player in the NHL, and is now…
The Rise, Fall, and Rise of Zulily
New owner plans to reopen the former Seattle-based retailer
Beyond Inc. plans to relaunch Zulily September 10. Beyond — which also owns Bed Bath & Beyond and Overstock.com — acquired the intellectual property and brand assets of Zulily in March for $4.5 million. The e-commerce company once known for its flash sales shut down late last year after laying off several hundred employees. Beyond…
Big Mario’s Seeks to Sell Northlake Tavern
The pizza chain reopened the iconic Seattle restaurant just a year ago
Specialty pizza purveyor Big Mario’s will list the venerable Northlake Tavern for sale. Big Mario’s purchased the 65-year-old Northlake Tavern early last year after it closed in January 2023. Big Mario’s then spent seven months on an extensive update and renovation, and reopened the Seattle institution as Big Mario’s Northlake Tavern last August. The restaurant…
DeLille Cellars Plans University Village Restaurant
Bordeaux-inspired restaurant and tasting room is DeLille’s first expansion into Seattle
DeLille Cellars is branching into Seattle for the first time. The popular Woodinville winery is launching a Bordeaux-inspired restaurant and tasting room at University Village in a 6,700-square-foot space in the Southwest corner of the complex. Opening is scheduled for summer 2025. It’s the first time DeLille has branched out of Woodinville, where it has…