Seattle's Historic Diner Closes After 62 Years

A Historic Seattle Diner Closes After 62 Years

The Ravenna Varsity, a beloved diner that has stood at the corner of 65th Street and 23rd Avenue Northeast for 62 years, will close its doors permanently on Sunday, August 3. The iconic spot, often simply called the Varsity, has been a North Seattle landmark since its inception. It survived the demolition of its original building in 2002 and reopened in a new mixed-use building in 2004.

Sandy Pelkey, who has worked at the Varsity since 1979, purchased the restaurant from its original owner, Ozzie Boyle, and now runs it with her son Bryan. According to reports, Pelkey shared that the decision to close was due to an inability to reach an agreement on a new lease with the landlord. Rising costs and financial losses related to the pandemic also played a role in the decision.

“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 said. “The doors may shut, but the connections and community we built will last a lifetime.”

Other Notable Closures in Seattle

Seattle has seen several other closures this year, marking a difficult time for many local businesses. Here are some recent announcements:

Capitol Hill: Gold Bar and Afterlife

Gold Bar, located on Pike and 12th Avenue, has closed permanently. The owners mentioned they lost the lease due to a “real estate deal,” though the building hasn’t been sold recently. Adjacent nightclub Afterlife has also closed.

Fremont: Whale Wins

Acclaimed restaurant Whale Wins, owned by the Sea Creatures group, will close on October 28. Chef Renee Erickson, who earned a James Beard Award for the restaurant in 2016, has several other restaurants in her portfolio, including plans to open more in Pioneer Square. However, Whale Wins had been struggling financially, leading to the decision not to renew the lease.

Bainbridge Island: Marche

Longtime chef Greg Atkinson, known for his work in the “eat local” movement, has retired after closing his restaurant Marche. The space will be replaced by a new seafood restaurant called Sweetwater Tavern, set to open later this year.

Ravenna: Mioposto

A car drove through the storefront of Mioposto on 55th Street and 35th Avenue Northeast in early July, causing damage and temporarily closing the pizzeria. Several diners were injured in the incident, though none critically.

Madison Park: Kamp Social House

Kamp Social House, a nonalcoholic-friendly bar and restaurant that opened three years ago, has closed permanently. Owners Marceil Van Camp and Katy Knauff cited the need for a personal pause as the reason for their decision.

Kirkland: Arleana’s

Arleana’s, a Caribbean cocktails and dinner spot, has closed after just two years. The owners expressed gratitude for the support from customers, though their Columbia City restaurant remains open.

Belltown: Korean Bamboo

Korean Bamboo, known for its silken tofu, has closed permanently. The owner cited safety concerns in the neighborhood as a primary reason for the closure, while expressing appreciation for the support from fans.

Capitol Hill: Finch and Pine

Finch and Pine, another Capitol Hill establishment, has also closed. Owner Sara Moran, known for her previous restaurant Sitka and Spruce, shared on Instagram that the decision was made because she is ready for a new chapter.

These closures reflect the ongoing challenges faced by small businesses in Seattle, particularly in the wake of the pandemic and rising operational costs. Despite the loss of these establishments, the communities they served remain connected through the memories and relationships formed over the years.