July 26, 2008
We find it odd that they have “lost their lease” after only 18 months. Maybe it was the lackluster service and so-so food. Of course, that pretty much sums up most eating establishments in Federal Way. Hopefully, something more “original” takes its place. Alas, it will likely sit empty for months and become home to yet another chain restaurant of some sort.
If you loved the Original Roadhouse Grill, I am sure Jimmy Mac’s, Billy McHales, or Red Robin will do just fine. If not, you’ll have to drive to Everett for the only Original Roadhouse Grill left in the state.
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Federal Way Restaurants | 
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July 17, 2008
It’s official. We’re loosing a Starbucks. I’ve never bought coffee at the Top Foods Starbucks, and I guess I am not alone. Who buys coffee before grocery shopping?
Hopefully, part of Starbucks new re-invention plans include a new store for Federal Way – something large where you can sit down and read. We also hope that if another coffee stand opens in Federal Way that it will be a local outfit – like Poverty Bay.
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July 15, 2008
As if wasn’t obvious from the lack of activity at the former AMC Theater site or the lack of activity on their own website, the developer (United Properties) will ask for a one year extension of the purchase of the land.
United has cited the difficult financial times we’re in as the reason for this delay. The city council will be considering this request at tonight’s council meeting.
Here’s hoping this does not end up going the way of much smaller projects recently abandoned in downtown Kent and Auburn or get scaled down to become yet another low-rise strip mall. Given the close proximity to the city’s core and transit center, nothing less that what has been proposed should move forward.
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July 9, 2008
We just received notice of what looks to be a wonderful way to spend a summer evening. The recently-opened Branches Garden Center is holding a wine tasting event in their rose garden:
Thursday July 10th, from 6-8pm, our Rose Garden will be transformed into a beautiful outdoor cafe. There will be wines from Spyder Lake Winery to sample, hors d’oeuvres to taste, a classical guitarist to listen to, and roses to enjoy both for fragrance and beauty. Whether you come as a couple, in a group, or as a single you will enjoy a splendid evening at this exclusive Branches After Hours event. Tickets are $15 and are available for purchase at the garden center or by phone . Tickets can be purchased in advance or at the door.
We were sad to see Kelly Gardens leave, but we’ve been very happy with our experience at Branches. They continue the tradition of personal service that Kelly’s was known for and have done a great job in fixing the place up. Worth a visit anytime – but doubly so when wine is involved!
We’ve also visited Spyder Lake Winery in Edgewood – they are very hospitable friendly and have some interesting fruit wines to share. They also have a nice wine shop selling a nice selection of wines from the region.
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July 4, 2008
Local real estate agents are upset that the City is removing their open house and directional for sale signs from the public right of way. Boo-hoo!
“I would just ask you to imagine how you would feel if you were trying to sell your home in these challenging times,” Windermere agent Marylyn Gates said.
While we can sympathize with their need to conduct business, in the age of the Internet and craigslist, we really have to question the benefits of having open house signs all over the place. It’s pretty common knowledge that open houses don’t actually sell houses, rather, they provide a stream of new contacts for real estate agents.
We’re less worried about the open house signs that are out for a couple hours on weekends in various locations. We loath the little “directional for sale” signs that are planted in the parking strips and tacked to any flat surface available.
If we agree that it’s OK to advertise a house for sale in the public right of way, then it’s not a stretch to say it is OK for the home-based business advertisements to be stapled to telephone poles, trees, bus shelters and so on. It’s then not much of a stretch to give the OK to Wal-Mart, McDonalds, and Home Depot to line Pac Hwy with sandwich boards advertising sales, specials, and whatever else. Imagine if every business in Federal Way took the the view that it is their right to put signs anywhere in the name of conducting business in “these challenging times”.
We’re already bombarded with signs and advertisements all over Federal Way. Maybe it’s time to tell the real estate agents, apartment homes, and multi-level marketers that our public right of ways are not designed to be an avenue of free advertising.
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