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Jacob describes the store as his “pipe dream,” and seemed really excited about all the new features they’re trying out in the store, like their new Synesso espresso machine, and a pull down movie screen to host film showings for local filmmakers. He said a lot of positive things and really seemed committed to making the concept work. On the other hand, Jacob said he didn’t know much about Capitol Hill, he didn’t have much to say about the well established coffee scene on the Hill, beyond “they make great coffee”, and he didn’t offer direct responses to any of the criticism they’ve been getting from many in the community -- namely that it's disingenuous to not display the Starbucks name, and the clipboard observers that were... 
When CHS first walked into Roy Street Coffee and Tea this morning shortly before 7 am, the place was bustling. See pictures of the opening here. According to Major Cohen, Senior Project Manager and a key proponent of these "inspired by Starbucks" cafes, the first group to arrive were the coffee nerds (our characterization - not his). Many in the group were excited to try the Panama La Esmeralda (CHS sampled this brew and it was one of the best cups of coffee we've had in a while) and other Clover beans. As we searched for a table, a bunch of them were excitedly discussing coffee, machinery and methods at a communal table. The morning crowd was composed of Starbucks corporate family members (those visiting from corporate included CEO Howard Schultz ), well-to-do older couples from North Capitol Hill, curiosity seekers, I-5 shores residents and those of us in search of good coffee and free wi-fi. Starbucks PR agency Edelman emphasized to us that this is the second LEED certified<... It's a 6 AM Wednesday morning debut for the latest Starbucks creation on Capitol Hill. We'll have additional coverage this morning but wanted you to get a look inside. What do you think of the new place?
CHS didn't attend the pre-launch media event on Tuesday night but we did get a few shots from other folks on the outside. Thanks to Aaron Brethorst for sharing this picture via Twitter .
And thanks to http://starbucksmelody.com for a shot from the inside at the preview.
Over on the article where we first posted the announcement that Roy St. Coffee and Tea was opening on Wednesday, there's a debate, um, brewing about the good and bad of corporate coffee and indie-styling . CHS goes back and forth between hostility and ignorance about Starbucks' 'Street Level Coffee' efforts. But the company seems to court the controversy with images like this:  Roy Street Coffee & Tea, originally uploaded by SlayerSeattle. According to the person who posted the photo, the man is removing the 'Inspired by Starbucks' portion of the logo.
Are we suckers for doing anything more for writing that they exist? Dunno. But CHS was there Wednesday morning to check out the scene. More soon.
We reported over the weekend about the preparations to open the second 'secret' Starbucks on Capitol Hill taking an odd step backward -- a worker painted over a recently completed Roy Street Coffee sign above the new shop. No matter. Starbucks says it's a go for a Wednesday opening. Here's our favorite line from the media announcement, below: Like other new stores we’ve opened recently – 1st and Pike and University Village in Seattle, Paris Disney and Conduit Street in London, this coffeehouse is a celebration of the community’s personality and values. Capitol Hill is just like Paris Disney. Here's the announcement:
You might recall that the opening of the company's first stealth 'indie'-styled cafe on 15th Ave inspired a few shenanigans. We'll see what happens at Roy and Broadway on Wednesday morning. 
New management at PIke Street Fish Fry means more freebies for you. If you haven't been to Pike Street Fish Fry in a while, give their new french fries a try. The $2 Fat Tires & Mothership Wit (my favorite in the New Belgium lineup) should be a draw too. Let us know how the fries are in a review. CHS apologizes for the goof last month - hours for the free giveaway are most definitely 5 to 7 this Friday (11/20). 
An unexpected scene for a new business gearing up for their opening -- the freshly painted sign for Roy Street Coffee is being painted back over this afternoon by the same man we saw creating the large white letters earlier this week. Not sure what was behind the paint over. The marketing folks were excited by the sign. Perhaps the coffee giant is changing its mind about opening its second Stealthbucks on the Hill. More likely, somebody in corporate didn't like the look. We'll probably have to wait for a leaked memo to find out.
We attended a friends & family event last night and can report that Po Dog is ready for the public starting today . We were pleased with our choice of a couple of Veggie Dogs (smartly - they are using field roast ) with a side of fries and PBRs on tap. We then split a Chicago Dog (you can substitute a field roast dog in any of their offerings). A great cheap meal for under $30. Po Dog is located at 1009 East Union (next to the Lifelong Thrift Store) and hours of operation will be: Mon-Thu 11am-Midnight, Fri-Sat 11am-3am, Sun 11am-10pm Po Dog already has a Happy Hour offering. Hours will be 4:30 - 6:30 M-F. Included food: Mini Dog Sliders ($4.97) and Homemade Chips & Fries ($1.75). Included Drink: PBR Draft ($2), Manny's Draft ($3), Domestic Bottles ($2.5) and Import ($3).
CHS was lucky enough to join co-owner Curtis Bigelow for a quick tour of the transformed space that was once King Cobra and will soon be the new Lobby Bar . But this picture was the only shot I could take -- the new project is still under construction and under wraps. The transformation is impressive. Bigelow says he and Paul Villa hope to create a space for members of the LGBT community who are interested in getting a good, reasonably priced drink in an comfortable, inviting environment -- and the people that love them. An elegant seating area with black glass chandeliers greets you on entry to the new space. A massive, marble-topped bar dominates the center of the Lobby. Behind the bar is a mix of finished, glossy cabinetry and the rough exposed brick of the building's walls. Staircases to the left and and right invite you to the upper level where the railing will invite you to spy on the activities below. Bigelow told CHS he and Villa hoped to open in early December but -- like most new businesses -- Lobby is facing delays in permitting. As for the newly announced next-door business The Money Tree, CHS had heard rumors that the location would house a sandwich shop, but Bigelow said the money lenders have been mostly good neighbors so far.  Fast Food Lloyd Wright, originally uploaded by rutlo. It is our sad duty to inform you that the Madison branch of the Taco Time fast food restaurant chain is about to serve its last batch of Mexi-Fries. CHS received the following tip from neighbor Westley:
Note the panic -- Westley was so distraught he was unable to recount even what he had read on the heartbreaking sign. A quick phone chat with manager Rodney Keith confirmed the worst. The Madison Taco Time will close its doors on Sunday. Keith says he's moving on to a new gig. All other questions were referred to company HQ so no word on whether this was a surgical closure or part of a widespread downsizing for the chain. According to the Taco Time Web Northwest site, the Madison location is one of 75 in the state. Wikipedia says the chain has more than 200 franchises in the US and another 75 in Canada and Japan. The departure is also the latest in a long, slow exodus from the Hill for national fast food chains. Hill outlets of Taco Bell, Jack in the Box, and Kentucky Fried Chicken have all closed within the past three years.
Zhivago, slated to be the go to Piroshky place on Broadway, was to have opened last week. However, due to permit delays, it looks like they will open next Sunday November 1. I walked by yesterday and the new opening date is hand written on the signage. 
First it was El Tajin, next Siam and now the curse of 614 Broadway East fells Pho Lotus. In its short life (July 2009 to October 2009), Pho Lotus suffered from mediocre/bad reviews. According to one Silo W, "Definitely the worst Pho joint on the hill. Pho'k this place!" As well, CHS community members questioned whether Broadway could support yet another pho place. Finally, Sound Transit and Brix construction hit this block particularly hard. CHS will check with the building ownership / management to see if they have any new plans for the space.
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