(Image: Ms. Helen’s)
Ms. Helen, for now, won’t be returning to 23rd and Union. The project team at Midtown Square has announced that plans for Ms. Helen’s Soul Bistro to be part of the mix of Black-owned and neighborhood businesses in the development are not moving forward.
“In spite of their best efforts, it has become clear that that the 3,000 square foot space is more than they are willing to take on given the headwinds for raising the additional capital necessary beyond the landlord’s commitment pay for the build-out of the space,” the statement from Lake Union Partners reads. “Ms. Helen’s will continue with their catering business and will likely pursue either a smaller space for grab and go, or possibly roll out a Ms. Helen’s food truck.”
The statement said that efforts including Seattle restaurateur Deming Maclise as well as assistance from the City of Seattle weren’t enough to help make the Ms. Helen’s restaurant project take shape.
CHS reported here in fall of 2022 as plans were being formed for the new project across the street from where the original Ms. Helen’s Soul Food once stood led by Jesdarnel Henton, daughter of founder Helen Coleman. “If I can be a part of educating another group of people, another generation, I’m excited,” Henton said at the time. “I’m so excited to do this because everything changes–everything must change in order to grow.”
Efforts to restart Ms. Helen’s restaurant legacy in the area go back even further including an effort in 2015 to be part of a previously planned redevelopment.
23rd and Union and Midtown Square, meanwhile, have grown as a food and drink destination. Next to open there will be the rebirth of Marjorie after owner uprooted the popular 14th and Union restaurant for a new start nine blocks east in the new Central District development.
Changes in plans seem to have worked out just fine for Midtown Square in the past. Bartell Drugs had been lined up to be the centerpiece retailer in the mixed-use redevelopment at 23rd and Union. The chain’s pullout from the project made way for Black arts and cultural center Arté Noir to become the development’s anchor tenant. A wave of closures this year will soon include the Capitol Hill drugstore.
You can learn more about Ms. Helen’s catering at mshelenssoulbistro.com.
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:-/ hmmmmm. Seattle is really proving difficult to feel at home in.
Why? Because they weren’t able to come up with the cash to build out a 3000sf restaurant space? That’s no easy task for anyone, even with a generous developer like Lake Union Partners and city assistance. Beyond that, perhaps operating a larger restaurant was more than they wanted to take on. Instead they will focus on catering and food trucks, which are still businesses you can frequent, and something to feel downright homey about.
This speaks to a larger CRE sector issue with only being able to draw the deepest pockets to play ball, and I dont know enough in particular on what the asks are and who is driving CRE landlords to hold pat but…sure is a lotta empty cavernous CRE out there that very few find….appetizing.
Were they given the option of a smaller space? Or did the financing of the new building dictate the restaurant revenue and thus the square footage required?
“Generous” is funny after being booted out but also restricted via redlining before… lol
Mama nature was as much to blame as anyone…. Ms. Helen’s first building succumbed to earthquake damage from the Nisqually. It was probably a decade or more before the site was redeveloped.
a 3000 sq foot space w additional outdoor dining is a BIG venture for even the most established restauranteur. I’m sorry she couldn’t manage to raise the funds but understand her need to bow out.
Helen is amazing! I miss her food so much!
Bummer. I remember eating at her original location across the street. Even something as simple as a hamburger tasted great..
Sounds like Ms Helen understands finance. 3000 Sq feet is a huge restaurant. Hope she locates a smaller property.