Paseo (restaurant)
{{Short description|Caribbean sandwich shops in Seattle, Washington, U.S.}}
{{Infobox restaurant
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| name = Paseo
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| image = Outside Paseo Fremont (9540579794).jpg
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| image_caption = A line outside of the original Fremont location in 2013
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| established = {{Start date|1994}}
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| current-owner = Ryan Santwire
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| food-type = Caribbean
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| county = King
| state = Washington
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| country = United States
| coordinates = {{coord|47|39|31|N|122|21|01|W|type:landmark|name=Paseo Fremont|display=inline,title}}
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Paseo is a chain of Caribbean sandwich shops based in Seattle, Washington, United States. It was founded in 1994 and went bankrupt in 2014 before being revived under new ownership the following year. The restaurant has four locations in King County.
History
The first Paseo was opened in Fremont in 1994 by Lorenzo Lorenzo, a Cuban-born chef.{{cite news |date=February 24, 2017 |title=Ready for Capitol Hill debut, more Paseos to come |url=https://www.capitolhillseattle.com/2017/02/ready-for-capitol-hill-debut-more-paseos-to-come/ |work=Capitol Hill Seattle Blog |accessdate=November 23, 2022 |archive-date=November 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221124080526/https://www.capitolhillseattle.com/2017/02/ready-for-capitol-hill-debut-more-paseos-to-come/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last=Hinterberger |first=John |date=October 26, 1995 |title=Big taste of Caribbean at tiny restaurant Paseo |page=G4 |url=https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/?date=19951026&slug=2148847 |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=November 24, 2022 |archive-date=January 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230112160301/https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/?date=19951026&slug=2148847 |url-status=live }} The early menu included $6–$7.50 dinner plates as well as sandwiches with chicken, pork, and prawn that cost up to $5.50. A second location, in a pink building facing Shilshole Bay in western Ballard, opened in August 2008.{{cite news |last=Kelly |first=Leslie |date=September 19, 2008 |title=Caribbean sandwiches are a study in flavor that's worth the mess |page=17 |work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer}}{{cite news |date=July 1, 2009 |title=Where to Get a Tasty Sandwich: Ballard's Paseo |url=https://seattlemag.com/where-get-tasty-sandwich-ballards-paseo/ |work=Seattle Magazine |accessdate=November 23, 2022 |archive-date=January 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230112160304/https://seattlemag.com/where-get-tasty-sandwich-ballards-paseo/ |url-status=live }} Both restaurants were cash-only and primarily served takeout with limited seating for customers; Paseo also drew long lines that extended out of the building on most weekends.{{cite news |last=Kerns |first=Josh |date=February 27, 2014 |title=Seattle sandwich shop picked second best food joint in America |url=https://mynorthwest.com/23102/seattle-sandwich-shop-picked-second-best-food-joint-in-america/ |work=MyNorthwest.com |accessdate=November 24, 2022 |archive-date=January 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230112160302/https://mynorthwest.com/23102/seattle-sandwich-shop-picked-second-best-food-joint-in-america/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last=Vermillion |first=Allecia |date=October 28, 2015 |title=The Ballad of the Caribbean Roast Sandwich |url=https://www.seattlemet.com/eat-and-drink/2015/10/the-ballad-of-the-caribbean-roast-sandwich |work=Seattle Met |accessdate=November 24, 2022 |archive-date=January 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230112160304/https://www.seattlemet.com/eat-and-drink/2015/10/the-ballad-of-the-caribbean-roast-sandwich |url-status=live }} The restaurant also closed annually for a "winter break" in late December.{{cite news |last=Robinson |first=Kathryn |date=November 12, 2014 |title=10 Things About Paseo I'm Not Going to Miss |url=https://www.seattlemet.com/eat-and-drink/2014/11/10-things-about-paseo-i-m-not-going-to-miss-november-2014 |work=Seattle Met |accessdate=November 24, 2022 |archive-date=November 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221124090447/https://www.seattlemet.com/eat-and-drink/2014/11/10-things-about-paseo-i-m-not-going-to-miss-november-2014 |url-status=live }} Paseo ranked fifth on review website Yelp's highest-rated restaurants list in 2014 and began opening on Sundays.{{cite news |last=Harris |first=Jenn |date=February 28, 2014 |title=Porto's Bakery ranks higher than The French Laundry on Yelp's top restaurant list |url=https://www.latimes.com/food/dailydish/la-dd-portos-the-french-laundry-yelp-best-restaurant-list-20140228-story.html |work=Los Angeles Times |accessdate=November 24, 2022 |archive-date=November 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221124081600/https://www.latimes.com/food/dailydish/la-dd-portos-the-french-laundry-yelp-best-restaurant-list-20140228-story.html |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last=Billups |first=Sara |date=March 4, 2014 |title=Fat Tuesday at Toulouse Petit; Paseo Ballard Open Sundays |url=https://seattle.eater.com/2014/3/4/6269509/fat-tuesday-at-toulouse-petit-paseo-ballard-open-sundays |work=Eater Seattle |accessdate=November 24, 2022 |archive-date=November 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221124090447/https://seattle.eater.com/2014/3/4/6269509/fat-tuesday-at-toulouse-petit-paseo-ballard-open-sundays |url-status=live }}
In September 2014, four former workers filed a civil suit against Lorenzo and the restaurant that accused them of wage theft and "racially motivated mistreatment", which Paseo denied.{{cite news |last=Herz |first=Ansel |date=November 11, 2014 |title=What We Know So Far About the Wage Theft Lawsuit Against Paseo |url=https://www.thestranger.com/news/2014/11/11/20990338/what-we-know-so-far-about-the-wage-theft-lawsuit-against-paseo |work=The Stranger |accessdate=November 24, 2022 |archive-date=January 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230112160311/https://www.thestranger.com/news/2014/11/11/20990338/what-we-know-so-far-about-the-wage-theft-lawsuit-against-paseo |url-status=live }} Both locations abruptly closed on November 11, 2014, citing "unfortunate circumstances" that were unrelated to the lawsuit according to an employee.{{cite news |last1=Conklin |first1=Ellis E. |last2=Sprinkle |first2=Nicole |date=November 11, 2014 |title=This Can't Be Happening: Paseo Has Closed Down |url=http://www.seattleweekly.com/music/955310-129/this-cant-be-happening-paseo-has |work=Seattle Weekly |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150111221447/http://www.seattleweekly.com/music/955310-129/this-cant-be-happening-paseo-has |archive-date=January 11, 2015 |accessdate=November 24, 2022}} Upon its closure, Paseo was trending locally on Twitter, fans of the restaurant left flowers and held a candlelight vigil,{{cite news |last=Clement |first=Bethany Jean |date=December 12, 2014 |title=Paseo to reopen; new owner plans no changes |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/news/paseo-to-reopen-new-owner-plans-no-changes/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=November 24, 2022}}{{cite news |last1=Sillman |first1=Marcie |last2=Gruener |first2=Posey |date=November 12, 2014 |title=Paseo Closes: What's Your Reaction? |url=https://kuow.org/stories/paseo-closes-whats-your-reaction/ |publisher=KUOW |accessdate=November 24, 2022 |archive-date=January 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230112160305/https://kuow.org/stories/paseo-closes-whats-your-reaction/ |url-status=live }} and several publications posted eulogies for the restaurant.{{cite news |last=Vaughn |first=Alexa |date=November 12, 2014 |title=Paseo's mystery closure hard for fans to stomach |page=A1 |url=http://blogs.seattletimes.com/allyoucaneat/2014/11/11/beloved-sandwich-shop-paseo-abruptly-closes-doors/ |work=The Seattle Times |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141201191706/http://blogs.seattletimes.com/allyoucaneat/2014/11/11/beloved-sandwich-shop-paseo-abruptly-closes-doors/ |archive-date=December 1, 2014 |accessdate=November 24, 2022}}{{cite news |date=June 3, 2015 |title=Paseo's Grand Re-Opening Comes With Some Changes |url=https://seattlemag.com/paseos-grand-re-opening-comes-some-changes/ |work=Seattle Magazine |accessdate=November 24, 2022 |archive-date=January 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230112160307/https://seattlemag.com/paseos-grand-re-opening-comes-some-changes/ |url-status=live }} The following day, Paseo filed for bankruptcy with more than $30,000 in listed debts; several employees also contacted local alt-weekly newspaper The Stranger to deny the lawsuit's claims.{{cite news |last=Kamb |first=Lewis |date=November 14, 2014 |title=Day after closing, Paseo files for bankruptcy |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/day-after-closing-paseo-files-for-bankruptcy/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=November 24, 2022 |archive-date=November 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221124081553/https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/day-after-closing-paseo-files-for-bankruptcy/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last=Herz |first=Ansel |date=November 13, 2014 |title=Nine Employees Speak Out in Defense of Paseo Owners as Restaurant Files for Bankruptcy |url=https://www.thestranger.com/news/2014/11/13/21009302/nine-employees-speak-out-in-defense-of-paseo-owners-as-restaurant-files-for-bankruptcy |work=The Stranger |accessdate=November 24, 2022 |archive-date=November 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221124083059/https://www.thestranger.com/news/2014/11/13/21009302/nine-employees-speak-out-in-defense-of-paseo-owners-as-restaurant-files-for-bankruptcy |url-status=live }} A Kickstarter campaign was started by fans of the restaurant and raised $40,000 within its first week, but funds were withdrawn by backers following comments by former Paseo employees that disapproved of the attempt.{{cite news |last=Ellis |first=Tim |date=November 19, 2014 |title=Kickstarter campaign to save Seattle's Paseo restaurant fizzles as backers retreat |url=https://www.geekwire.com/2014/savvy-orders-backs-off-plans-save-paseo-via-kickstarter/ |work=GeekWire |accessdate=November 24, 2022 |archive-date=November 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221124090441/https://www.geekwire.com/2014/savvy-orders-backs-off-plans-save-paseo-via-kickstarter/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last=Lerman |first=Rachel |date=November 19, 2014 |title=Organizers abandon Paseo Kickstarter effort |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/blog/techflash/2014/11/paseo-kickstarter-looks-to-be-doomed-after.html |work=Puget Sound Business Journal |accessdate=November 24, 2022 |archive-date=January 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230112160305/https://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/blog/techflash/2014/11/paseo-kickstarter-looks-to-be-doomed-after.html |url-status=live }}
In December 2014, local entrepreneur Ryan Santwire won a federal court auction for the Paseo name and assets and announced plans to revive the restaurant. The $91,000 bid did not include the original recipes following an objection from Lorenzo; instead, Santwire and several former Paseo employees recreated the recipes through reverse engineering.{{cite news |last=Lerman |first=Rachel |date=December 12, 2014 |title=Paseo's new owner says he'll reopen with same recipes, employees |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/blog/2014/12/paseos-new-owner-says-hell-reopen-with-same.html |work=Puget Sound Business Journal |accessdate=November 24, 2022 |archive-date=January 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230112160305/https://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/blog/2014/12/paseos-new-owner-says-hell-reopen-with-same.html |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last=Jaywork |first=Casey |date=August 3, 2016 |title=The Resurrection of the Paseo Pork Sandwich |url=https://www.seattleweekly.com/bestofseattle/the-resurrection-of-the-paseo-pork-sandwich/ |work=Seattle Weekly |accessdate=November 24, 2022 |archive-date=January 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230112160308/https://www.seattleweekly.com/bestofseattle/the-resurrection-of-the-paseo-pork-sandwich/ |url-status=live }} The Fremont location reopened on January 8, 2015, and had 50 customers within the first 30 minutes.{{cite news |last=Clement |first=Bethany Jean |date=January 9, 2015 |title=In stealth opening, Paseo is back with 'the sandwich' |page=B3 |url=http://blogs.seattletimes.com/allyoucaneat/2015/01/08/paseo-reopens-seattles-sandwich-salvation-complete/ |work=The Seattle Times |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150814073710/http://blogs.seattletimes.com/allyoucaneat/2015/01/08/paseo-reopens-seattles-sandwich-salvation-complete/ |archive-date=August 14, 2015 |accessdate=November 24, 2022}}{{cite news |last=Lerman |first=Rachel |date=January 8, 2015 |title=Paseo reopens with new owner, same crowds |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/blog/2015/01/paseo-reopens-with-new-owner-same-crowds.html |work=Puget Sound Business Journal |accessdate=November 24, 2022}} The restaurant retained much of its former staff and suppliers, but began accepting credit cards.{{cite news |last=Patterson |first=Keegan |date=February 26, 2015 |title=Just a bus away: Paseo Caribbean Restaurant |url=https://www.dailyuw.com/arts_and_culture/just-a-bus-away-paseo-caribbean-restaurant/article_6f9208d6-c2f3-11e4-8c38-0f31a575c14e.html |work=The Daily |accessdate=November 24, 2022 |archive-date=January 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230112160306/https://www.dailyuw.com/arts_and_culture/just-a-bus-away-paseo-caribbean-restaurant/article_6f9208d6-c2f3-11e4-8c38-0f31a575c14e.html |url-status=live }} Lorenzo's sons opened their own Ballard sandwich shop, named Un Bien,{{cite news |last=Clement |first=Bethany Jean |date=July 29, 2015 |title=Paseo and Un Bien: a tale of two sandwiches |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/life/food-drink/paseo-and-un-bien-a-tale-of-two-sandwiches/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=November 24, 2022 |archive-date=November 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221120162722/https://www.seattletimes.com/life/food-drink/paseo-and-un-bien-a-tale-of-two-sandwiches/ |url-status=live }} in June 2015 using the original restaurant's recipes and former staff.{{cite news |last=Harris |first=Shane |date=June 8, 2015 |title=Sons of former Paseo owner open Cuban eatery in Ballard |url=https://www.westsideseattle.com/ballard-news-tribune/2015/06/08/sons-former-paseo-owner-open-cuban-eatery-ballard |work=Ballard News-Tribune |accessdate=November 24, 2022 |archive-date=November 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221124085224/https://www.westsideseattle.com/ballard-news-tribune/2015/06/08/sons-former-paseo-owner-open-cuban-eatery-ballard |url-status=live }} Un Bien later opened a second location in the former Shilshole Bay location for Paseo a year later.{{cite news |last=Vinh |first=Tan |date=March 9, 2016 |title=The sandwich war continues: Un Bien to open in old Ballard Paseo location |url=http://www.seattletimes.com/life/food-drink/the-cuban-sandwich-war-continues-un-bien-to-open-in-old-ballard-paseo-location/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=November 24, 2022 |archive-date=November 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221124072526/https://www.seattletimes.com/life/food-drink/the-cuban-sandwich-war-continues-un-bien-to-open-in-old-ballard-paseo-location/ |url-status=live }}
File:Seattle in January 2023 - 239.jpg
A second Paseo location opened in SoDo on July 28, 2016, at a {{convert|4,000|sqft|sqm|adj=mid}} space leased from Chris R. Hansen, who had acquired the site for a potential basketball arena.{{cite news |last=Clement |first=Bethany Jean |date=July 28, 2016 |title=Paseo #2 opens in Sodo, and it's huge |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/life/food-drink/paseo-2-opens-in-sodo-and-its-huge/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=November 24, 2022}} Planning for the location began in September 2015 but its opening was delayed due to several issues, including the building losing power due to vandalism.{{cite news |last=Macz |first=Brandon |date=September 30, 2016 |title=Paseo going late-night for Capitol Hill spot |url=http://www.capitolhilltimes.com/Content/Business/Business/Article/Paseo-going-late-night-for-Capitol-Hill-spot/108/468/95 |work=Capitol Hill Times |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161017214111/http://www.capitolhilltimes.com/Content/Business/Business/Article/Paseo-going-late-night-for-Capitol-Hill-spot/108/468/95 |archive-date=October 17, 2016 |accessdate=November 24, 2022}} The larger restaurant includes more seating space, alcoholic beverages, and roasted corn.{{cite news |last=Saez |first=Rosin |date=July 26, 2016 |title=Oh Yes, Paseo Opens in SoDo July 28 |url=https://www.seattlemet.com/eat-and-drink/2016/07/cult-favorite-paseo-caribbean-sandwiches-opens-in-sodo |work=Seattle Met |accessdate=November 24, 2022}} In 2019, Paseo offered its sandwiches and roasted corn at nearby T-Mobile Park during Seattle Mariners games.{{cite news |last=Salyer |first=Sharon |date=April 18, 2019 |title=Here's what's cooking at T-Mobile Park, home of the Mariners |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/life/heres-whats-cooking-at-t-mobile-park-home-of-the-mariners/ |work=The Everett Herald |accessdate=November 24, 2022 |archive-date=November 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221124093413/https://www.heraldnet.com/life/heres-whats-cooking-at-t-mobile-park-home-of-the-mariners/ |url-status=live }} The SoDo location was temporarily converted into a drive-in theater with movie screenings during the COVID-19 pandemic while continuing to offer catering.{{cite news |last=Ausley |first=Christina |date=August 13, 2020 |title=Famed Seattle restaurant to host drive-in movie series |url=https://www.seattlepi.com/lifestyle/food/article/paseo-restaurant-to-host-drive-in-movie-series-15481728.php |work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer |accessdate=November 24, 2022 |archive-date=November 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221124091814/https://www.seattlepi.com/lifestyle/food/article/paseo-restaurant-to-host-drive-in-movie-series-15481728.php |url-status=live }}
A location on Capitol Hill adjacent to Neumos opened in February 2017,{{cite news |last=Vermillion |first=Allecia |date=February 27, 2017 |title=Paseo Opens on Capitol Hill |url=https://www.seattlemet.com/eat-and-drink/2017/02/paseo-opens-on-capitol-hill |work=Seattle Met |accessdate=November 24, 2022 |archive-date=November 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221124090449/https://www.seattlemet.com/eat-and-drink/2017/02/paseo-opens-on-capitol-hill |url-status=live }} but closed nine months later and was replaced by a Bok a Bok fried chicken shop.{{cite news |date=November 16, 2017 |title=Moving past Paseo, Bok a Bok landing next to Neumos with Korean-style deep fried chicken |url=https://www.capitolhillseattle.com/2017/11/moving-past-paseo-bok-a-bok-landing-next-to-neumos-with-korean-style-deep-fried-chicken/ |work=Capitol Hill Seattle Blog |accessdate=November 24, 2022 |archive-date=November 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221124091641/https://www.capitolhillseattle.com/2017/11/moving-past-paseo-bok-a-bok-landing-next-to-neumos-with-korean-style-deep-fried-chicken/ |url-status=live }} Paseo later opened a branch at the Microsoft Redmond campus and a full-sized store in Issaquah in August 2022.{{cite news |last=Saunders |first=Hannah |date=August 2, 2022 |title=Seattle's favorite Caribbean sandwich shop, Paseo, opens location in Issaquah |url=https://www.issaquahreporter.com/business/seattles-favorite-caribbean-sandwich-shop-paseo-opens-location-in-issaquah/ |work=Issaquah Reporter |accessdate=November 24, 2022 |archive-date=November 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221124093205/https://www.issaquahreporter.com/business/seattles-favorite-caribbean-sandwich-shop-paseo-opens-location-in-issaquah/ |url-status=live }} Several customers camped overnight while waiting for the Issaquah location to open. Paseo has announced plans to expand to Federal Way or Tacoma by 2023 and other suburban cities in the future.{{cite news |last=Vinh |first=Tan |date=September 15, 2022 |title=A legendary sushi chef expands to Bellevue and 20 other Eastside restaurant openings |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/life/food-drink/a-legendary-sushi-chef-expands-to-bellevue-and-20-other-eastside-restaurant-openings/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=November 24, 2022 |archive-date=November 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221124094000/https://www.seattletimes.com/life/food-drink/a-legendary-sushi-chef-expands-to-bellevue-and-20-other-eastside-restaurant-openings/ |url-status=live }}
Reception
In 2010, TLC series Best Food Ever ranked Paseo's Cuban Roast as the second-best sandwich in the United States.{{cite news |last=Sheehan |first=Jason |date=May 6, 2010 |title=This is the best sandwich in America, and I don't care what TLC says |work=Seattle Weekly |url=https://www.seattleweekly.com/food/this-is-the-best-sandwich-in-america-and-i-dont-care-what/ |accessdate=November 23, 2022 |archive-date=November 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221124080515/https://www.seattleweekly.com/food/this-is-the-best-sandwich-in-america-and-i-dont-care-what/ |url-status=live }} However, the same year, blogger Geraldine DeRuiter listed Paseo as the top entry of her "Over-Hyped List: Seattle Restaurant Edition".{{cite news |last=DeRuiter |first=Geraldine |author-link=Geraldine DeRuiter |date=February 1, 2010 |title=The Over-Hyped List: Seattle Restaurant Edition |url=https://www.everywhereist.com/2010/02/the-over-hyped-list-seattle-restaurant-edition/ |work=The Everywhereist |access-date=March 23, 2023}}
In 2015, Seattle Magazine called the reopened Paseo's flagship sandwich "unquestionably overrated", and that the original's "[wasn't] ever as good as people used to say that it was."
See also
{{Portal|Food}}
References
{{reflist}}
External links
{{Commons category|Paseo (restaurant)}}
- {{official website|https://www.paseo.com/}}
{{Fremont, Seattle}}
{{Restaurants in Seattle}}
Category:1994 establishments in Washington (state)
Category:Caribbean restaurants in the United States
Category:Caribbean-American culture
Category:Restaurants in Fremont, Seattle
Category:Restaurant chains in the United States
Category:Restaurants established in 1994
Category:Restaurants in Washington (state)