White Center Now: The blog about White Center

Last week we reported that the ex-KFC/A&W at 10050 16th SW is changing into a Wendy’s. We asked the company for more info and have finally heard back. They forwarded a statement from the franchisee:

WTC Ventures is excited to open our first Wendy’s restaurant at this location in White Center early this fall, bringing our fresh, famous food to more people in the community. This restaurant will be designed to meet the needs of our customers’ digital ordering preferences complete with kiosks, dedicated mobile and delivery pick-up points, and an enhanced drive-thru experience.

According to the franchisee’s website, WTC Ventures runs more than 90 Wendy’s in North America, including the one in Burien.

Thanks to a reader tip, we finally have an answer to the popular question “what’s going into the old KFC/A&W?” Work has clearly been under way at the 10-months-vacant building at 10050 16th SW, but we hadn’t found a permit. When a commenter on partner site West Seattle Blog said “Wendy’s,” we almost thought they were joking. But no – according to a sheaf of job listings, it’s for real. We’ll check with the company later today.

Yes, Burger Planet is permanently closed. The big orange signs across the windows reading CLOSED were certainly a hint. So were the crews we found removing fixtures like the arcade games last week. But we still didn’t want to assume until we’d talked to the owners, given that they had just filed for a renewal of the liquor license. We finally heard back from,one of the owners, who confirmed to us that the restaurant at 9614 14th SW is permanently closed – they originally planned on a temporary closure, and that’s why they filed for a renewal. Burger Planet opened in fall 2023 in the spot formerly home to Zippy’s Giant Burgers. It’s still operating a food truck, though.

ORIGINAL SUNDAY REPORT: Way back in 2021, we noted that Southgate Roller Rink was taking over the former Bank of America building just north of their rink. Four years later, they’ve announced it’ll open soon as an arcade! They promise ” vintage games and rare pinball machines you won’t find anywhere else,” with air conditioning, and grand-opening details soon.

P.S. 14 years have passed since the rink itself was relaunched for skating!

ADDED MONDAY: WCN/WSB contributor Hayden Yu Andersen spoke with Southgate ownership today and reports:

It turns out that opening day is less than a month away!

For the last few years, Southgate Roller Rink owner Josh Rhoads has been using the space for its parking lot, but plans to build an arcade have been “on the back burner for a while”. They’ve taken this opportunity to expand and improve on some of the features the Southgate Roller Rink already offers. The Arcade will feature a complete central AC system, perfectly in time for the summer heat, and a larger private games and karaoke room with a capacity of up to 30 guests (compared to the Roller Rink’s 10-guest room). The room offers options for all-ages private parties or 21+ events, with support from their bartending staff.

“We’re trying to keep the theme of the roller rink, with an ’80s and ’90s vibe, including games that are out of rotation,” Rhoads says, “We really want to fit into that ‘window’ of time.”

With just the lighting to finish up, Rhoads is excited to open up the arcade. “We’re looking forward to keeping with the vibe of the roller rink, while also providing a larger party space for guests.”

Southgate Arcade will be open for all-ages play on Fridays from 5-11 pm, and Saturdays and Sundays from 11 am to 7 pm.

By Hayden Yu Andersen
Reporting for White Center Now

In June, White Center will be getting a new business at 9617 16th SW. (Thanks to the readers who pointed out the liquor-license application notice on the door!)

Wolfpack Cellars is a Burien-based winery that produces small lots of local, Washington wine. Customers can expect local wines, glass pours, wine tastings and a subscription wine club.

The address was among those hit by the big fire in 2021 that affected seven businesses on 16th Ave. (Previously it was the location of Westside Boxing Gym.) After rebuilding and renovations, the spots have gone up for lease.

Wolfpack Cellars sources all of its grapes from Eastern Washington, including Yakima Valley and Kennewick. In addition to wine, they are also a supporter of Wolf Haven International, a Wolf sanctuary in Tenino, which customers can support by purchasing a specific blend from the winery’s website.

“As for our soon-to-be White Center customers, we are very excited to meet them and officially be part of the community!” Said James Bivans, one of the owners of Wolfpack Cellars. “Being a small LGBTQ-owned business, we know how great it feels to be part of a warm, accepting community and that’s what we aim to do. We want to welcome new friends who also have a love for wine, food, family, and dogs to join our pack!”

Once the White Center location opens, their current Burien location will shift to production only. You can read more about Wolfpack Cellars here.

3:45 PM: If you can get to BECU‘s new White Center branch before 5 pm today, you can join in their grand-opening celebration. They’re in the new mixed-use Elevation 16 building at 16th/107th, and company managers are talking with the crowd right now, including this location’s manager, Andrew Blanco.

This is the 66th location for BECU. As previously reported, with this opening, they’re closing the mini-branch at Roxbury Safeway at the end of May, but Blanco said everyone from there will be transferred here.

ADDED WEDNESDAY EVENING: One more photo, added above – the ribboncutting!

We first noted here in June that BECU has been building a Neighborhood Financial Center in the new mixed-use development at 16th/107th, and the credit union says it’s now open. They’re planning a grand-opening community celebration at 3 pm Wednesday, March 19. Readers have asked if the Roxbury Safeway BECU mini-branch will close; a BECU spokesperson told us today, “At this time, we have not announced plans for our Roxbury location.”

Nate Little from Lariat Bar does the honors at Rat City Tree Lighting

Story, photos and video by Jason Grotelueschen
Reporting for White Center Now

White Center neighbors gathered on Sunday night for the first annual Rat City Tree Lighting, to celebrate the holiday season in style. 

As we reported previously, the festivities happened at the intersection of 16th/98th, at the community billboard/kiosk location. In prior years, the event had a different name and had been held at 16th/Roxbury/Delridge. The new name and location were organized by the White Center Business Alliance, which posts events on Instagram at Rat City Events, and is a group largely comprised of bars and restaurants in downtown White Center. 

Here’s our video of the tree lighting, facilitated by Nate Little, co-owner of Lariat Bar, along with the crowd’s rousing rendition of “We Wish You a Merry Christmas:”

Little joked that the modestly-sized tree, zip-tied to the top of the community kiosk, was a “very White Center” way to celebrate the holiday. He also pointed out that the tree topper was an action figure of pro wrestler “Rowdy” Roddy Piper (a nod to Lariat’s wrestling theme).

The festivities also included more caroling, drink/food specials at area establishments, and photo-ops with Puffy and Pandy (mascots of White Center’s own Puffy Pandy):

Tonight’s the night – third Thursday! Art (and food) walk in White Center, 5-8 pm (with some South Delridge venues participating too). Find the list of 17 participating businesses/venues here.

Shop and play at Burger Planet (9614 14th SW) starting at 3 pm today (Saturday, August 24):

Burger Planet adds, “Free entry into the Tournament with purchase of a burger. We’ll have a DJ and local artists selling their wares from 3-7. Nintendo Switches will be available for folks to play from 3-5 and the Tournament will start at 5p. The top player wins a sweet package of prizes, including a Burger Planet gift certificate and a mystery Nintendo Switch game!”

Allison at Cascadia Wicks tells us her candle-making business is among the vendors at a pop-up market happening right now in White Center. It’s at Future Primitive (9832 14th SW) continuing until 5 pm.

Two years ago, when Corry’s Dry Cleaning/Fuzzy Wuzzy Rug Cleaning took over the former Northmart building in downtown White Center, they told us the plan was for an “expanded cleaning facility.” In recent months, that’s been taking shape, and now the opening date is set. Here’s the announcement:

Corry’s Fine Dry Cleaning is proud to announce the grand opening of its newest brand, Revolution Laundry, on July 8. Located at 9840 16th Ave SW, this state-of-the-art laundromat is set to redefine laundry services in the White Center neighborhood, offering self-serve laundry, dry cleaning, and Drop N Go wash, dry, and fold service.

As part of the Corry’s Fine Dry Cleaning family, which includes Graffiti Busters and Fuzzy Wuzzy Rug Cleaning Company, Revolution Laundry is a testament to the company’s commitment to quality and innovation. The new facility is designed to cater to the needs of a rapidly evolving community, providing residents with modern, efficient, and reliable laundry solutions.

Owners Corry and Simon Bakker are enthusiastic about the launch. “Revolution Laundry is a state-of-the-art facility and will provide exceptional service. This is going to be a game-changer for the neighborhood and the residents who are going to have real options now when it comes to these types of services,” said Corry Bakker.

White Center is experiencing significant growth and transformation, with new businesses and amenities enhancing the community. Revolution Laundry is poised to become a cornerstone of this development, offering unparalleled convenience and service to its customers.

Revolution Laundry is equipped with the latest technology in laundry care, ensuring a superior experience for every customer. Whether you prefer to do your laundry yourself or take advantage of the Drop N Go service, Revolution Laundry promises efficiency, cleanliness, and excellent customer service.

According to the Revolution Laundry website, they’ll be open 7:00 AM-10:00 PM weekdays, 6:00 AM-10:00 PM Saturdays, closed Sundays.

Just announced, a commercial tenant for the big new development on the south end of downtown White Center. The news release is from BECU:

BECU, Washington’s largest credit union, today announced its plans to open a new Neighborhood Financial Center (NFC) in the White Center neighborhood … The location will join more than 60 centers in supporting BECU members’ everyday financial needs, including recently opened locations in Monroe and Columbia City, as well as upcoming locations opening in Gig Harbor, Shoreline and Tacoma.

Located on the corner of Southwest 107th and 16th Avenue Southwest, the White Center NFC will be just over 3,000 square feet and could serve more than 16,600 people who live in the area. It will join existing locations in Tukwila, Burien, Kent and Renton in serving communities in South King County.

At this new NFC, BECU member consultants will provide financial advice and expertise. This includes one-on-one support for establishing membership and opening accounts and loans, such as mortgages, small business services, investments and trust services.

As with other BECU NFCs, the White Center location will have access to technology designed to meet members’ needs quickly and efficiently, such as Video Banking. It will also host new capabilities and special programming designed to enhance the member experience, including offering integrated spaces available for financial health seminars, community events and other onsite functions.

Supporting Local Communities
As a not-for-profit co-op, BECU gives back to local organizations that are creating meaningful change in its communities. Earlier this year, BECU honored the White Center Food Bank during its 10th annual People Helping People Awards as one of more than 30 nonprofits to receive an award. The funds will support the organization’s collaboration with the Silent Task Force on the BIPOC Food Distribution Project, which focuses on increasing access to healthy food within underserved and vulnerable communities.

Through its philanthropic giving, BECU has extended funds to other community partners that support White Center residents, including Freedom Church, Highline College Foundation and Renton Regional Community Foundation. More information on BECU’s commitment to its members and communities is available in its newly launched 2023 Annual Report.

BECU says it expects to open the branch this winter. In addition to the South King County locations mentioned in the announcement, the credit union also has a branch a few miles north of White Center, in West Seattle.

As announced by Ann Magyar – who co-founded Full Tilt Ice Cream in White Center in 2008 with husband Justin Cline, who died earlier this year – tomorrow is the WC shop’s last day.

Ann announced in early April that, with Justin gone, “it’s time for Full Tilt as we know it to end.” P.S. The crowdfunding page to help the Magyar-Cline family is still open.

(WSB/WCN photo of Justin, Ann, and kids Moss and Ruby last year, when Full Tilt marked 15 years)

Five weeks after the death of Justin Cline, who founded Full Tilt Ice Cream in White Center in 2008 with wife Ann Magyar, she just sent us the announcement that their flagship store and wholesale operations will close:

Dear Full Tilt family,

Justin founded Full Tilt with the hope he could work for himself and be part of the neighborhood in a positive, fun way. He wanted a place for music and art and for families to play. We opened on June 20, 2008 and were floored from day one at how much the community embraced us. We met so many people and made so many friends that we still hold dear. We loved watching kids learn to play pinball and Pac-Man and beg to stay just a little longer. So many artists and musicians and chefs have shared our space and we’ve been honored to be part of those journeys. Full Tilt was never just about the ice cream. But now Justin is gone, and it just isn’t the same without him. It’s time for Full Tilt as we know it to end.

Our wholesale operations will stop at the end of April. The last day for the White Center shop will be May 26th. The Columbia City shop will remain open but they do not accept gift cards, coupons, or birthday party certificates from other locations. You can find more info about that shop at www.fulltiltcolumbiacity.com.

I’m beyond grateful for the love and friendship and support these past 16 years. It’s truly been the best years of my life. Thank you to everyone who has been part of this craziness. Thank you White Center.

With love,
Mrs. Full Tilt

Justin Cline was just 49 when he died last month, four weeks after a heart attack. Among his many community contributions in White Center besides operating the business, he also was a co-founder of this website the same year he and Ann launched Full Tilt.

(WCN photo – ex-Bartell Drugs building; we’ve processed the photo to distort the tags)

When the Bartell Drugs store at 15th/Roxbury in White Center closed six months ago, the next step wasn’t clear – would the site’s California-based owner sell it, or seek another tenant? We’ve been watching the commercial real estate listings ever since, and the building has finally appeared there – listed as available for lease. The (currently extensively vandalized) 12,000-square-foot building on a 32,000-square-foot is touted in the leasing brochure as a “prime retail location in the heart of White Center” with “easy access and great visibility.” And while the brochure sings the praises of Seattle (“a picturesque metropolis”), it also notes that since this site is just south of the city line, “The benets of the subject property’s location include not being subject to the Seattle minimum wage requirement and the 1.75 cent/ounce soda tax.” Interested? The listing agent’s contact info is here.

Farmboy Bites, the burger stand at Future Primitive Brewing (9832 14th SW), was closed by Public Health Seattle & King County, the agency announced today:

Future Primitive Brewing (doing business as: Farmboy Bites) at 9832 14th Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98106
Closed: February 23, 2024 at 6 pm

Reasons: Excessive critical violations including:
Imminent health hazard: no water available on mobile
Person in Charge unable to demonstrate food safety knowledge
Food workers not washing hands when required
Inadequate hand washing facilities
Improper washing of produce
Improper cooling procedures
Room temperature storage of TCS* food

Status: Closed

*TCS = Time/Temperature Control for Safety (TCS)

On social media, the stand’s page says “Temporarily closed, more details ASAP.” They’re usually open Wednesdays-Sundays.

We’ve learned that three local Safeway stores, including the one just west of White Center on SW Roxbury, will start closing an hour earlier as of this Wednesday (January 10). The other two are in West Seattle. Regional spokesperson Sara Osborne explains, “Almost all our stores in City of Seattle close at midnight or 11 pm once those three are included. The decision was made out of concern for the safety of our associates and customers because we are experiencing a significant increase of violent incidents and major theft, especially at late hours.” The Safeway at 1st and 148th in Burien already closes at midnight.

This was the first weekend for the co-housed Alpine Diner and Big Mario’s Pizza at 9635 16th SW in downtown White Center. Thanks to Gill Loring for sharing some photos from inside the new two-in-one restaurant:

As we first reported a month ago, other repaired storefronts in that block are now up for lease.

If you’ve been in downtown White Center lately, you’ve probably noticed changes to the fire-ravaged block on the west side of 16th SW south of Roxbury. It’s been more than two years since fires ravaged multiple spaces in this block of businesses. Now seven of the spaces are up for lease to new business tenants (here’s the flyer). The spaces totaling 22,362 square feet could be leased in various combinations, the listing says … Not far south, next to Full Tilt, the Huong Xua Deli is finally getting ready to reopen, with COMING SOON signage … And on the other side of the September 2021 fire site, two venues have uncloaked with plans to share the former Bizzarro Italian Café space at 9635 16th SW:

The Alpine Diner and Bar, touting an “apres-ski” theme, and Big Mario’s Pizza. From the Alpine website:

Try our full food & beverage menu available daily from 7 AM to 10 PM, or visit the bar counter and cozy up to our vintage fireplace in the game room for ski ball and hoops. Enjoy our large outdoor patio with bocci ball and outdoor seating, opening Spring 2024. We share our space with the newest Big Mario’s location, meaning you can order from either menu.

The Alpine is from the same company that operates Lost Lake Café in Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood; Big Mario’s Pizza has a location there too, one of four in Seattle. The remodeled White Center space is expected to open this winter.