University Village is a major shopping center in Seattle, just north of the University of Washington. In recent days two businesses within close proximity of each other have closed.
Mrs. Cook’s closed January 6 because the owner retired. It had a great selection of appliances and utensils, along with a small cookbook section. We’ve bought numerous pots, pans, and other supplies there over the years. I went on a spree there before Christmas for Julian’s gifts to take advantage of their clearance prices.
This week Blue C Sushi shuttered its doors. Blue C specialized in “conveyor-belt sushi.” This is similar to the dim sum concept, although customers grab their desired items off a conveyor belt as they go past. The plates were color-coded by cost, so the wait staff could calculate your bill by the number of empty blue, yellow, red, or green plates you had in front of you. The whole chain suddenly closed without explanation. Employees were advised to cash their final checks immediately, according to the Seattle Times. I suspect they expanded too far too fast and the rents in their various locations got too damn high.
If you’re looking to start a business, there are two high-profile sites at University Village available. I’m sure the conveyor belt at the old Blue C Sushi could be repurposed to display other items – cute shoes, perhaps? Just don’t choke when you see the monthly rents on these locations.
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