When the Landing first opened, I didn't really get what the excitement was all about, other than to provide tax revenues. Lowes, Target, Red Robin, Petsmart...these kind of places are found all over the United States, and I wouldn't go around proclaiming my pride in Renton because they have a Lowe's.
But, Papaya is set to open soon in the Landing, across from the movie theate. And it's owned by Gene and Hoang Sens, my favorite Renton restauranteurs...How might you have heard of them or experienced their food?
30 years ago, you might have eaten Gene's pizza at the old Renton food circus, which was across the parking lot from where the downtown Renton Fred Meyer now stands. Then they opened Gene's on 3rd, an awesome Italian restuarant...Then they opened Jubilante, developed the menu for the Dog and Pony, opened the Red House, and then Blossom Asian Bistro. I remember when they were selling Gene's, tired of being in the restaurant biz. That sure didn' last, or maybe it's all they know how to do. But damn, they do it well!
6 comments:
finally. a reason to head over to the landing...with the East Valley 13 showing $3 movies...and the Great Wall Mall nearby...but a good local restaurant helps.
The Landing has fallen on tough times - many businesses that were set to open have lost their funding.
My husband and I considered opening a coffee house at The Landing when we discovered Starbucks pulled out, but we can't make it work right now.
I highly recommend Vino. He's a first time business owner and it would be great to support him.
I did not know Papaya was owned by The Red House people. Looking forward to checking it out!
I agree with Jen. I own a small, non-chain store and the property managers were working with us to open up at the Landing. They were very friendly and open to small business.
The recession has hit us hard and nixed those plans. I know many small businesses are in the same position.
thanks for visiting my blog - and I am with you - I like the policies of some of the other thrift stores better, but I am just getting on my bandwagon about thrifting and will be posting other store options soon. But in truth, I shop them all - it's how I have my shopping fun without wondering if I spent next month's rent or not in a frenzy of shopping
Hi everyone- this was forwarded to me... my name is Amy and I handle leasing at the Landing... FIRST- THANKS FOR GETTING IT... please continue to spread the word that we love small business and independents! We want to create a place that is special and has SOUL so please send your creative entrepreneurial friends and ideas... we need to keep fighting the good fight and we need proof you guys exist and that there are enough of you to convince hip retailers that you'll keep them in the black! CHARACTERLESS IS THE OPPOSITE OF WHAT WE ARE TRYING TO ACCOMPLISH- and the financial partners and developers are wildly supportive of providing opportunity to the right operators... please let everyone know... and please continue to support the people who are already open- thank you!!! we appreciate it!
I think The Landing has a real chance at becoming a nice little shopping and dining niche for Renton. I'm right down the street from it and have had 2 very pleasant experiences at "Vino" - the wine bar.
They serve savory tapas style foods and panini sandwiches that so far are pretty good. There wine selection and service is the main event, however, so make sure you stop in for a glass or 3! They also have wireless internet for the business minded. This place will be a mainstay for me, if all things go right.
I did order from the new Thai 65 restaurant to-go and it was decent although I was very disappointed by the fact that they didn't offer any beef on their menu. Great looking decor though and she threw in a free Thai Iced Tea while I was waiting. Nice touch.
I've used the UPS store several times already and am happy they are in there too.
The downside!! - those atrocious looking "I couldn't decide if I was going to be a modern-industrial-retro-and-I-have-so-many-crooked-angles-you-can't-see-straight-monolithic-awful structure!!! It's called the Sanctuary and something else but whatever it is I have a feeling it just created the biggest traffic and accident nightmare for the residents and store owners in the area. One could say all those residents will bring in plenty of business but all those apts bring with them 2 or more people and cars too. The streets are narrow as it is and I can't help but think there was extremely poor planning on this project in more ways than one. We will see.
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