(Image: @misterrhodes via Instagram)
Patrons returning to Capitol Hill establishments after two years of the pandemic will find a new and uplifted Poco Bar & Lounge on E Pine under new owner Jesse Rhodes, who continues the spot’s history of Black-ownership.
“I’m invested in Cap Hill and the community, and I embrace the diversity that it brings,” said Rhodes.
Rhodes, a friend of previous owner Rashida Burnham and longtime patron of Poco, purchased the bar from her in early January of this year. Since its purchase by Jackie and Tramale Turner in 2015, Poco has been one of few Black-owned businesses on the Hill, including Plum Bistro, Marjorie, and Osteria La Spiga where chef Sabrina Tinsley is a co-owner.
“I always felt attached to Poco, so when I learned she was looking to sell it, I decided to make the purchase and become that next owner and keep the Poco brand alive,” said Rhodes.
(Image: Poco Bar & Lounge)
Though it closed briefly due to the pandemic only offering pick-up wine to-go under the ownership of Burnham, Poco has been in full operation since Rhodes acquired the bar earlier this year. Aside from filing paperwork and obtaining licenses, he has used these first few months of ownership concocting a face-lift for the establishment.
Some first steps for Rhodes include renewing the color scheme and cosmetics of the bar. He hopes to do this by achieving a vibrant blue shade for the spot, letting more light into it, and incorporating decorative plants.
A crucial part of this face-lift is rebranding the name of the bar from Poco Wine & Spirits to Poco Bar & Lounge, which Rhodes said is to emphasize that the spot has more to offer than just drinks. Beyond wine and spirits, customers can expect non-alcoholic alternatives, small bites, outdoor seating, and a relaxed lounge and event space at Poco.
Inclusivity is enshrined in the leadership of Poco. Black-owned and female-operated, the bar aims to offer a social space that is conscious of LGBTQ+, BIPOC, and other minority groups. Everything down to the art on the wall is geared toward inclusivity– Poco features a wall of rotating art from local artists with underrepresented identities as part of Capitol Hill Art Walk, which takes place on the second Thursday of each month.
Rhodes said most food options at Poco are vegan or gluten free, and that he wants to avoid having a ‘vegan tax’ or isolating these options to a small corner of the menu.
“Most of the options are gluten free and vegan– our food and beverage manager is gluten free herself,” said Rhodes.
Since its initial opening 16 years ago as Poco Wine Room, the venue has changed hands multiple times — founders Peter Moore and Bart Reynolds sold the business to manager Rick Jones and his partners Jonathan Nelson and Aaron Tebrink after five years in business. This group then sold to Jackie and Tramale Turner in 2015, who then passed the bar on to Burnham in 2019.
“I’ve been here in Seattle since 2016, I frequently went to Poco, even before [Burnham] owned it. It’s a place for me to go hang, relax, dates, have business conversations and meetings,” said Rhodes.
Rhodes looks forward to hosting trivia nights, VIP wine nights, private events, and other happenings at the bar. Though it has been open since his acquisition, a ceremonial grand re-opening of Poco is planned for April 19th.
“Purposeful, organic, captivating, optimistic– that’s Poco,” said Rhodes.
Poco Bar & Lounge is located at 1408 E Pine. You can learn more at pocoseattle.com.
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There needs to be tons more black ownership. Period.
Maybe in the future this will be vegan friendly but it does not appear to be currently