As we reported Monday, Zhivago’s is looking for a buyer and appears to be closed. The “For Sale” listing notes that the reason for selling is that Geno Sabra “owns other business which is growing.” The other business referenced appears to be Seattle Town Car Inc. We will continue reaching out to Geno for confirmation regarding Zhivago’s.
- Meanwhile, CHS tipper Scott asked us to look into whether Quiznos off Broadway had closed. Here is what Scott witnessed last Sunday (2/28): “On Sunday night, coming home from dinner, my friend and I noticed that franchisee was packing up their car with receipts and so forth. No sign has been posted on the door since then.” We have not heard back from Quiznos corporate, but Quiznos’ landlord is now seeking a tenant. We were able to confirm that this Craigslist posting is for the Quiznos space. In addition, the 1801 East Olive Way location is no longer listed on Quiznos store locator.
- Finally, the Hair Connection will be moving (at the end of March) from their current location at 321 Broadway to the Odd Fellows Building at 915 East Pine. They will be occupying the retail space to the right of the entrance to Odd Fellows Hall on Pine Street. Thanks to CHS community member MountDana for this tip.
I hope that Quiznos gets replaced with a local business!
I really liked that place. They had great baked sweets in addition to piroshkis.
Also, Quiznos is a franchise, and that location was owned by a nice (Seattle) family, so don’t be so harsh Sam.
Actually all small business. I see more and more empty store fronts on the Hill and downtown. Note that the Sushi resturant in the GFC Complex on 12th and Pike has also closed. I see more aggressive pricing even in established restaurants–with specials, etc. Good for consumers, but alas, I am part of the reason as I am unemployed and eating out is a rare experience anymore. But you folks with a job–enjoy the specials and keep the doors open for us.
Businesses equal jobs. I could care less about local or otherwise. There are too many unemployed.
We’ve got a couple other stories brewing involving new and on the move biz action on Broadway and also over in Pike/Pine. Tips? [email protected]
The one and only time I went into the Quizno’s off Broadway their toasting oven was broken.
I left and made a grilled cheese sammie at home instead. Laziness thwarted by broken toaster.
True! Didn’t mean to be harsh at all. I just don’t enjoy Quiznos…
It’s sad that while people love to demonize franchises (myself included), it’s the local franchisee and their employees that get hurt the most. There are plenty stories of abuse from franchisors and landlords and this location is no different. Business is down overall and local business owners are trying to reduce their fixed costs. Some were able to and some weren’t. An example, I ate at Chili Basil on its last day and they told me they couldn’t afford the rent so they decided to move to Lynnwood.
Have to say Zhivago’s was pretty awful — especially how they advertised themselves as being all about vegetarian cuisine — but had such an incredibly limited food selection.
God I hate people that cream themselves over the prospect of “local businesses.”
Franchisee’s live/work in this community too, they are LOCAL business owners, just because their business is a chain doesn’t mean they’re not as good/important as somebody who opens their own restaurant.
Stop being ignorant/
The food offerings were OK when they first opened, but I went there a week or two ago and the pirogies were awesome. I don’t know if they changed cooks or gotten better recipes, but I was starting to get fond of the place.
What a shame! We need good semi-cheap snack food, and I had just started to get over the loss of Pirosky :(
“Have to say Zhivago’s was pretty awful — especially how they advertised themselves as being all about vegetarian cuisine — but had such an incredibly limited food selection. “
They had decent vegetarian cuisine, but they weren’t a damn restaurant. They were a coffeehouse with pastries and certain prepared foods. What the hell were you expecting with a space that small? Don’t be such a snot.
“just because their business is a chain doesn’t mean they’re not as good/important as somebody who opens their own restaurant.”
The employees and owners are valued members of the community.
Franchise product, however is usually generic crap, and you can find it anywhere in the country/planet. The only thing worse than elitism is anti-elitism, if we’re going to have businesses, at least make them interesting.
How is your comment on elitism/anit-elitism relevant?
Anyone know what is going on in the corner storefront at the Portofino on Pine? Windows are papered over and saw some scaffolds inside.
In other related Pike/Pine news, the Feed Bag is open in it’s new home and looks like the wine/beer shop is putting the final touches on their new place.
Thanks!
Jeff
Zhvagos was pretty bad. Gave it a try, got a latte and a piroshky. The latte was so bad I took two sips and threw it out and the piroshky was okay but not worth the price!
I miss the shop that used to be up on Bway with the old Russian ladies!
Wait, where did Feed Bag move to?
Zhivagos still owe their barista Emma lots of money and refuse to pay! She went to work and the doors were locked. She put alot of time into helping them open and did the beautiful artwork. Emma deserves better. Any business that abuses and takes advantage of their employees can leave the hill.
Zhivago’s is just a cover. The owner owns a freaking “towncar” business, what else do you think they are doing????
plus, they STILL owe ALL OF THEIR EMPLOYEES MONEY.
l and i doesn’t do shit, so what else are we supposed to do???
Do you know why business on Broadway closed a lot during this time? What’s something in that area?
Feedbag and the beer/wine shop traded spaces.
I know the owners of Zhivagos And they have no respect for working people. They come into our restaurant and act like they are royalty. they are rude, pushy, and dont tip well. I guess an employer who doesnt pay their staff cant be expected to be good tippers. The whole restaurant hates to deal with them and we have to flip a coin to decide who will be their server. Total arrogant assholes!!