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Master of mercantile at work again on Capitol Hill — Pike Grocery coming soon

The future Pike Grocery. You’ll pass by now and then (Images: CHS)

Sure, a downtown Target is swell but how about that Pike Grocery! When last CHS caught up with Won Williamson, he was opening up a new market at Summit and Thomas. Now he’s about to do the same thing at Boren and Pike.

“When you go shopping, you don’t want your shoppping to be boring even though it’s a small store,” Williamson tells CHS. “It has to be quality.”


Williamson’s part in these ventures — Pike Grocery will be his fourth, he says — is the launch. He finds the locations, wrangles the permits, gets the space built out, arranges distribution and starts the business running. The, as he did at Thomas Street Grocery, he sells to family who own and operate the store.

It’s the equation that created Williamson’s most well-known grocery, Trinity Market in the U-District. Like Trinity, Williamson says that Pike Grocery will be more of a cafe and deli than the small Thomas Street space. He expects people to stop through for coffee and to pick up a few essentials for the pantry. Williamson also promises an impressive beer selection.

Williamson in 2011 preparing Thomas Street Market for business (Image: CHS)

Williamson said he likes the location, a long-empty retail space beneath the Hilton Homewood Suites, because of its proximity to a large population of apartment dwellers and extremely heavy foot traffic. He expects to open within the next two months.

Williamson didn’t get too philosophical when we asked about what brought him to the grocery start-up business. “This is the right idea for me,” he said. “So far it’s working.”

CHS asked Williamson if he might be involved with what comes next on 12th Ave where the Capitol Hill Market just shut down. “Where is that?” he asked. “I’ll have to look into that.”

Won Williamson market #5?

Thanks to @alexjon for the tip about Pike Grocery!

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motab
11 years ago

I think the only thing that has ever been in this space was the sales and construction offices for the Meridian condos. It’s been vacant for far too long. And if it’s going to be anything like the Thomas Street Grocery, it will be very welcome.

There are a few corner markets nearby (corner of Pike and Bellevue next to the Eagle, Minor and Union in the Union Park apartments, and Pike and 8th under the Convention Center), but none are the grocery/deli mix like the Thomas Street Grocery. And considering that the hotel above is a suites/residence type, I would think it would be a huge draw for people staying there.

ERF
ERF
11 years ago

As long as he doesn’t charge “hotel” prices he should do well. However, isn’t there another couple of stores just a block or two down on Pike?

sdb
sdb
11 years ago

The Thomas St. Grocery is so pleasant and friendly. More of them is great.

Kim
Kim
11 years ago

I live across the street from Thomas Market – and it is a wonderful little place. When Won was running it, he’d greet me by name upon entering – if I asked for a specific product, he’d see if he could get it for me. With the new owners, it’s very much the same experience. It’s great to get to invest in a business that’s investing in the community (more than just finances – but connecting with the community and making it feel like “home”).

Travis Conquest
Travis Conquest
11 years ago

I work at the Thomas Street store.

It’s a great place and the ‘hood really loves it!

mmariano
mmariano
11 years ago

Won sounds like the kind of guy I wish had been running the CH Grocery store up here on 12th Ave.

russ
11 years ago

He’ll be able to run out and offer fist aid when cyclists run that red light. He’ll also be a source of CCTV footage that verifies whos at fault in these accidents.

nwviking
11 years ago

What a downer.

Alan Motley
11 years ago

Love the guy… Love the place! So sad I moved from Summit and Thomas. I wish him the best on the expansion!

jess
jess
11 years ago

Wow. You sir, are a dick.

pete
11 years ago

ERF,

I think that’s what motab was referring to with “Pike and 8th under the Convention Center”. That’s Clay’s Market.

pete
11 years ago

I’d love to see one of these on 12th in the old Capitol Hill Market spot or even on 15th to compete with 7-11.