OPENINGS AROUND THE SOUND
A look at the area's new stores
Posted January 2003
Bartell Drugs, which celebrated its 112-year history in May 2002, opened its second West Seattle store. Located in the area's Admiral District, the store stretches over 14,500 square feet and offers its visitors access to free underground parking.
Best Buy, a Minnesota-based specialty retailer of consumer electronics, personal computers and entertainment software and appliances, opened in Bellevue. The chain, which operates stores in nearly every state, including Washington, anticipates operating more than 550 stores nationwide by 2004.
BluWater Bistro opened its second Seattle location. From Greenlake Drive North, the new restaurant offers visitors a sidewalk patio, a dining room and a 20-seat bar. Dinner is served daily and the restaurant opens for breakfast on Saturday and Sunday. BluWater Bistro's original location, near Lake Union, opened in 1997.
California Pizza Kitchen, a California-based chain since 1985, opened at Northgate Mall. The company, which is known for its salads, sandwiches and pizzas, operates 132 restaurants nationwide, including a location in downtown Bellevue.
Home Depot's new 115,000-square-foot store in Redmond reflects the design changes that are underway at the Atlanta-based home improvement retail chain. Revisions from previous store models include lower shelving, more upscale bath and kitchen fixtures and home decor areas at the front of the store. The store, which is fourth on the Eastside following Bothell, Bellevue and Issaquah locations, employs approximately 160 people.
Johnny Rockets, a 1940's-style restaurant chain, opened in Seattle's University Village. Known for having red carnations on every table, a U-shaped black and chrome counter and tabletop jukeboxes, Johnny Rockets restaurants serve an all-American menu that includes hamburgers, sandwiches, french fries, shakes and malts.
Julia's opened its third Puget Sound location. The new Capitol Hill site in Seattle offers breakfast, lunch and dinner along with late-night and bar menus. Julia's is also an established part of the Wallingford and Issaquah communities.
Plato's Closet, a franchise chain that buys and sells "gently used" designer clothes, opened a 2,400-square-foot store in Bellevue. The company, which is operated by Minneapolis franchiser Winmark Corp., consists of 65 stores, including its other shop in the Puget Sound region, which is in Lynnwood.
Still Life Cafe, which originated in Fremont, expanded its local presence with a new location in Seattle's University District. Open Tuesday through Sunday, Still Life on the Ave offers coffee, soups, salads, sandwiches and desserts.
Taphouse Grill opened in the Bellevue Galleria. The 7,700-square-foot restaurant serves 160 brews along with appetizers, pasta, seafood, steaks, burgers and more.
Tiffany & Co., which entered the Seattle market with a store in Pacific Place four years ago, opened its second Puget Sound location in Bellevue Square. The 5,500-square-foot store carries the collections that Tiffany & Co. is known for and also offers a full selection of clocks, giftware, fragrances, personal accessories and watches.
T.J. Maxx, a national retailer of men's, women's and children's apparel and home accessories, opened new locations in Edmonds and Kent. To date, the company operates approximately 660 stores nationwide.