Pike Place Market's Virginia Inn Dodges Summer Shutdown

Operations at Seattle's Pike Place Market's longest-standing business will proceed this summer after it was set to close Sunday.

The present business occupant at the Virginia Inn was granted a late-stage “stay” of their eviction notification from the Pike Place Market Preservation and Development Authority, as shared in a social media update. Operations at the eatery will now continue without change.

The restaurant and development agency will "determine a way forward" for the establishment.

As stated by Madison Douglas, who leads marketing and communications, the present occupant will keep running until early September as they collaborate with the development agency to find a replacement operator. The agency has assured that it aims to prevent any interim shutdown of the Virginia Inn over the summertime.

Douglas stated that they are assisting with lead generation and facilitating the transition process." He added, "Furthermore, the present owner has pledged to restore the historical sign, ensuring it stays even after an ownership change. The vintage bar and seating areas will also be preserved.

The aim is to guarantee that this change preserves The Virginia Inn’s historical and cultural heritage while ensuring continuous service throughout the busy season.

Douglas stated that the organization is “completely dedicated” to the Inn’s continuation within Pike Place Market.

Even with changes in ownership, the Virginia Inn remains steadfast," Douglas stated. "The present occupant and the PDA are collaborating to identify the perfect new manager to uphold this significant tradition.

Craig Perez, who owns the Virginia Inn situated at the intersection of First Avenue and Virginia Street, previously informed KING 5 that he had been issued a notification in March by the development agency stating they would terminate his lease by the end of April. According to Perez, this decision came after discussions about the yearly payment made to the authority, which receives a share of the inn’s revenue beyond $1.2 million.

Twenty workers received notification about the upcoming shutdown.

The development authority had earlier informed KING 5 that they collaborated with the present operator to explore ways to move forward and were keen not to lose the business. Multiple chances for negotiating a new lease or selling the operation were provided, yet all of these offers were declined.

As per the authorities, it continued to operate on a monthly basis since they didn't sign an agreement for a five-year lease renewal. The choice to end the tenancy came about when discussions did not reach a successful conclusion.

The Virginia Inn has seen numerous occupants throughout its roughly 122-year existence. The present occupant has been around for approximately five years now.

Brady Wakayama from KING 5 provided contributions to this report.